Become a Doula with Sierra Childbirth Institute

Doula Training & Doula Services in Sacramento

DONA Doula Training

Our in-person and online doula trainings are DONA approved.

Online Doula Training


Get your postpartum or birth doula training online with SCI.

Doula Mentorship & Coaching

8-week online doula mentorship program and ongoing suport.

Doula Services


Postpartum and birth doula services in Sacramento, CA.

About Us

Our approach to supporting families through birth is different.

If you feel called to serve the birthing families in your community, or need continuing education or mentoring for your established doula practice, Sierra Childbirth Institute, based out of Sacramento, California, provides education, training, and mentoring for aspiring and experienced childbirth professionals. We offer birth and postpartum doula training workshops and continuing education classes, all approved through DONA International, as well as an in-depth doula mentoring program. At SCI we are passionate about meeting all the needs of the childbirth professional.

At Sierra Childbirth Institute we provide a holistic, evidence-based perspective of birth and postpartum in a comfortable learning environment, as well as online doula training workshops and continuing education classes. Whether you choose online or in-person learning, our classes are all kept small to provide a personalized experience for our students. For aspiring midwives, our birth doula training is often a stepping-stone toward becoming a midwife. And for nursing students and labor and delivery nurses our workshops provide the labor support skills traditional education systems don’t offer.

Are you interested in learning how to support your loved one during childbirth? Or perhaps you’re unsure if you’re ready to become a professional doula? There’s no need to commit to full doula training! Our Labor Support 101: Essential Skills for Family, Friends, and Aspiring Doulas class is designed specifically for you.

Years Experience
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DONA Doula Training Options

What we offer
2 women during doula training

Birth Doula Training

This DONA-approved doula training offers an in-depth exploration of historical and conventional perspectives on childbirth. You will discover the unique role of Birth Doulas and learn how we can support women and families in reconnecting with the ancient wisdom of birthing and parenting.
2 women learning breastfeeding techniques in Doula Training

Postpartum Doula Training

In this DONA-approved postpartum doula training, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the doula's role during the postpartum period. We explore the emotional and spiritual aspects of birth and the journey of welcoming a newborn into the family.
Woman teaching Lamaze Class as CEU for Birth professionals

Continuing Education Classes

These courses for birth professionals offer a thorough exploration of essential topics, including labor support, pre-birth preparation, and specialized knowledge in postpartum care. Elevate your practice with our continuing education classes!

Sierra Doulas provides families in the California Sacramento Valley with nurturing care and support from pregnancy through postpartum. We have hand-selected our team of birth and postpartum doulas from our alumni, knowing they have received in-depth training and mentoring at our school.

Classes

Upcoming Doula Trainings Dates

Business Starter Kit

Management, by Melinda Rose

Business Relationship

Business, by Melinda Rose

Career Planning Kit

Careers, by Natalie Jodie

Online Doula Training On Laptop at Home with Tea
Become a Doula Online

Online Doula Training

Our DONA approved online birth and postpartum doula training workshops and continuing education classes are held live and provide the same valuable content as our in-person classes – from the comfort of your own home!

Why Choose Us For Your Doula Training

Sierra Childbirth Institute: Educating & Nurturing Birth Professionals Since 2002

Founded by Janine Maitri, Sierra Childbirth Institute has been a leading resource for aspiring and established birth professionals. Janine began her journey as a birth professional in 1982, driven by a passion for helping babies, mothers, and families experience positive and empowering births. For over 40 years, she has been dedicated to raising awareness about the ancient wisdom and natural instincts inherent in the birthing process.

In 2019, Janine brought her vision to the Sacramento Valley, opening a school for birth professionals in the Arden area. Supported by a skilled team of instructors and caring staff, Sierra Childbirth Institute offers comprehensive doula training workshops and continuing education to birth professionals worldwide, fostering a community committed to compassionate and informed birth support.

DONA Approved Doula Trainings

Our birth and postpartum doula training workshops are approved by DONA International—the pioneering and leading organization for doula training since its founding in 1992. As a non-profit, DONA is dedicated to setting a high professional standard for doula education and ensuring that more families have access to quality doula support. Completing our birth and postpartum doula workshop fulfills a key certification requirement: the doula training. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch your practice and start supporting families right away.

Doula Mentorship & Coaching

Effective mentoring can help doulas navigate challenges and establish best practices, setting the stage for a successful start or enhancing an existing practice. Our team of three mentors brings over 60 years of combined experience and a genuine passion for helping doulas thrive. With various aspects to consider in building and sustaining a doula practice, we are here to meet you where you are and provide the support and guidance you need on your doula journey!

Doula Business Training

After completing your doula training, starting your own doula business can seem overwhelming. Our business development class builds on the foundation of your doula training, offering in-depth guidance on structuring your practice and developing a successful small business. With small class sizes, we ensure a personalized learning experience, and our 5-hour class is designed for intimate groups—so no matter where you are on your doula journey, we’re here to support you. This class is perfect for newly trained doulas who may feel uncertain about their business skills. We provide a step-by-step approach along with valuable resources to help you grow your business, allowing you to focus on what you’re truly passionate about—serving families in your community!

Reviews of SCI

What They Say

Melanie JeffsMelanie Jeffs
21:07 01 Jul 24
I loved doing the doula training with Janine! She is an excellent teacher!
Karissa WhartonKarissa Wharton
12:35 25 Jun 24
Review edited from 1 to 5 stars because the organization reached out to me privately and offered a solution. One of my favorite things in life is being able to move from a space of conflict to one of productivity, and Janine ensured just that by handling this complaint in a professional, helpful, and empathetic way. I’m excited to start my course today and learn!Original review: I’m sure the classes and team are great, but unless you have open availability for class date reschedules don’t spend your money here. They often have to change class dates due to low attendance, with a non existent refund policy that sets the expectation that you change your personal calendar to make it fit for whatever random date they choose. I’ve paid in full for the intro course and am now out the full cost.
Anna Durdant-HollambyAnna Durdant-Hollamby
00:23 09 Jun 24
Absolutely loved the birth doula training that I did with SCI and the wonderful Janine. The space itself is so warm, inviting and welcoming and Janine and her co-facilitator brought so much experience, wisdom and insight into the classes. I am a recent Sacramento transplant and SCI was one of the first places that I felt truly at home. The material was engaging and very well paced over the few days. I also really appreciated the inclusivity and intentionality of the language and the connections with the other lovely participants with whom did the training. It was a 10/10 experience and I very much hope/plan to do more training with them in the future. I wholeheartedly recommend SCI to anyone who wants to learn about becoming a doula, parent-educator, parent themselves or general birth practitioner. Also these are amazing classes for anyone who wants to engage with life and its transitions esp around pregnancy and birth more deeply. Thank you Janine, Brooklyn and SCI practitioners/colleagues.
Cassie RayCassie Ray
11:59 08 Jun 24
Sierra Childbirth was such an impactful part of my beginning journey as a doula. I loved all of the personal experience and hands on learning I received.
Serene DeCampSerene DeCamp
23:51 07 Jun 24
SCI delivered a wonderful, comprehensive birth doula workshop for myself and several others a few years back. I highly recommend this institute upon starting your doula journey!
Tonya BridgesTonya Bridges
22:13 07 Jun 24
Sierra Childbirth Institute has fantastic teachers and community for aspiring birth workers. They have provided excellent classes, mentorship and programs which have greatly boosted my Doula skills!
Elizabeth JoyElizabeth Joy
20:23 10 Apr 24
Everything done at Sierra Childbirth Institute is done with excellence. The amount of experience and expertise Janine has is evident in her trainings (I've done three now) and she is great with communication as well. Highly recommend.
Maria LevertMaria Levert
14:15 31 Jan 24
Great space! I have taken a few classes here and it’s always super cozy and comfortable. They always have tea available which is a major plus for me! The space is large enough to teach a small yoga class even and any other class that doesn’t require too much movement. Definitely looking forward to the next time I get to take a class here!
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