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In Person and Online Birth Doula Training Workshops
DONA Birth Doula Trainings
DONA Birth Doula Training Workshops
Accelerated DONA Birth Doula Training
Online Birth Doula Training
We are excited to be a part of your birth doula journey!
Doula care is presented as a return to the community-based, woman-centered care that existed prior to the shift from home to hospital births. As such, the training demonstrates how woman-centered support can reclaim a place within medicalized childbirth in Western cultures. Doulas learn about the birth process, medical issues that can arise, ways to support laboring women physically and emotionally, and how to advocate with and for a patient in a hospital environment.
~ Dr. Christine Morton, author of Birth Ambassadors
What You'll Learn During This DONA-Approved Doula Training:
Our doula training goes beyond teaching the essentials of childbirth assistance. You will not only master the art of supporting birthing families but also explore both historical and modern perspectives on childbirth. Through this comprehensive workshop, you’ll discover the unique role of Birth Doulas and how we can help women and families reconnect with the ancient wisdom and natural instincts of birthing and parenting.
- Gain the skills to provide effective support during labor, birth, breastfeeding, and the early postpartum period.
- Offer consistent emotional and physical care, empowering mothers and their partners to make informed choices throughout their birthing experience.
- Provide continuous support when medical interventions or technology are required, ensuring comfort and reassurance for your clients.ecessary.
- Conduct professional prenatal and postpartum visits, building trust and rapport with clients.
- Develop and launch your own private doula practice, creating a fulfilling career as a birth professional.
- Learn how to market yourself effectively, positioning yourself as a professional and trusted doula.
Sierra Childbirth Institute is Different
Evidence Based Birth Doula Training
Doula Mentoring & Coaching
Mentoring and support to birth and postpartum doulas at any stage of their journey.
In-Person & Online Doula Training
Varying options to meet the needs of busy schedules! 3 or 5 day in-person workshops or 3-day or 10 week online programs.
DONA Approved Doula Workshop
Our in-person and online doula workshops meet all the requirements to become a DONA certified Doula.
Holistic & Evidence Based
We combine modern sciences with ancient & instinctual wisdom to offer a uniquely holistic experience.
Is becoming a doula the right path for you?
If you feel a deep calling to support families and improve birth outcomes, becoming a doula could be a good fit for you.
Testimonial
Reviews of Our Doula Trainings
Is a Doula Training right for you?
Our Birth Doula Program is perfect for
Aspiring Birth Doulas
Childbirth Educators
Nurses, Midwives & Doctors
Curious Parents
Your Doula Workshop Trainer Can Make All The Difference
Meet Your Doula Instructor
Janine Maitri
- 1982 Became a Childbirth Professional
- 2002 Founded Sierra Childbirth Institute
- 2019 Expanded to offer Doula Services to Sacramento families
Choose Your Doula Training Package
How Much Does Doula Training Cost?
We offer a few different ways to make it easier to become a doula. Listed here are the range of prices.
See below for each workshops pricing details.
Early Bird
one-time payment 30 days before workshopPay In Full
one-time paymentPayment Plans
Payment Plans are available for all trainings. Tuition may be divided between either 2 or 4 payments.Your doula journey starts here
Are You Ready To Become A Birth Doula?
We’re so excited for you to take this journey with us. You’re going to make an impact on many lives.
Upcoming Doula Training Workshop Dates
In-Person Birth Doula Trainings
Our 5-Day In-Person Workshop: Our Most Popular Training!
Select a date below to register.
5-Day In-person Workshop (Dec 4-8) 20245-Day In-person Workshop (Mar 26-30) 20255-Day In-person Workshop (Jul 16-20) 20255-Day In-person Workshop (Nov 5-9) 2025
In-Person 5 Day Birth Doula Training Investment
- Full Tuition $850
- Early Bird $775
Payment Plans
- 2 payments = $459
- 4 payments = $229.50
* Payment plans need to be complete within 3 months of enrollment date. If you need smaller payments over more time (e.g. starting with a smaller deposit), we’re happy to accommodate as long as payments are finished within 3 months of enrolling.
This immersive workshop starts with a 2-day Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional course, followed by three days of comprehensive birth doula training. By attending, you’ll meet two key certification requirements with DONA International—the Childbirth Education (CBE) and birth doula training—setting you on the path to becoming a certified birth doula.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
DAY 1 & 2: Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional class | 10am to 5pm PST (1-hour lunch break)
- Satisfies the “Introduction to Childbirth” certification requirement with DONA
- Lays the foundation of pregnancy, labor & birth and postpartum education for learning about doula support at the doula training workshop on days 3-5
- Fulfills CBE requirement for birth doula certification
DAY 3: Birth Doula Training Workshop | 10am to 5pm PST (1-hour lunch break)
- History of the Doula Profession
- Scope of Practice of the Birth Doula
- Undisturbed birth
- Instinctual, physiologic birth
- Labor Support Skills– Non-pharmacological
- Comfort Measures for Labor & Birth
Day 4: Birth Doula Training Workshop | 10am to 5pm PST (1-hour lunch break)
- Hospital births & medical management of birth
- Possible routines & Interventions
- The cascade effect of intervention
- Medical pain management– narcotics & epidurals
- Inductions & augmentation of labor
- Surgical births
- Racial disparity + Cultural Competency
- Loss & grieving
Day 5: Birth Doula Training Workshop | 10am to 5pm PST (1-hour lunch break)
- Prenatal preparation with families + postpartum support
- The on-call life of a Birth Doula
- The business of being a doula
- Marketing & promotion
- Certification requirements with DONA
- Workshop closure– Graduation!
PLEASE NOTE: All classes must be attended ~ Missed classes cannot be made up
3-Day In-Person Doula Training: Accelerated Learning Experience
Select a date below to register.
3-Day In-person Accelerated Workshop (Sept 20-22) 20243-Day In-person Accelerated Workshop (Nov 15-17) 20243-Day In-person Accelerated Workshop (Feb 21-23) 20253-Day In-person Accelerated Workshop (May 16-18) 20253-Day In-person Accelerated Workshop (Sept 26-28) 2025
3-Day In-Person Birth Doula Training Investment
- Full Tuition $795
- Early Bird $725
Payment Plans
- 2 payments = $431.00
- 4 payments = $215.50
* Payment plans need to be complete within 3 months of enrollment date. If you need smaller payments over more time (e.g. starting with a smaller deposit), we’re happy to accommodate as long as payments are finished within 3 months of enrolling.
This workshop offers the same comprehensive content as our 5-day training but is delivered over 3 days with extended classroom hours. The training kicks off with Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional on the first day, laying a solid foundation for your doula education. By the end of the workshop, you will have completed two essential requirements for birth doula certification with DONA International—both the childbirth education and doula training components.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Day Before: Pre-Workshop Virtual Meet-up — 6:30 – 7:30 pm PST. All class participants and your trainer will meet virtually over Zoom the evening before the training begins to go over what to expect from the training and take time for personal introductions. This is a mandatory meeting, so please plan accordingly. (Sign up for a free Zoom account at www.zoom.us)
Day 1: Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional | 10 am to 6:30 pm. (1-hour break around 1:30 pm.)
- Satisfies the “Introduction to Childbirth” certification requirement with DONA
- Lays the foundation of pregnancy, labor & birth and postpartum education for learning about doula support at the doula training workshop on days 2-3
- Fulfills CBE requirement for birth doula certification
Day 2: Birth Doula Training | 9 am to 6:30 pm (1-hour break around 1 pm)
- History of the Doula Profession
- Scope of Practice of the Birth Doula
- Undisturbed birth
- Instinctual, physiologic birth
- Labor Support Skills– Non-pharmacological
- Comfort Measures for Labor & Birth
Day 3: Birth Doula Training | 9 am to 6:30 pm (1-hour break around 1 pm)
- Hospital births & medical management of birth
- Medical pain management– narcotics & epidurals
- Inductions & augmentation of labor + Surgical births
- Racial disparity + Cultural Competency
- Loss & grieving
- Prenatal preparation with families + postpartum support
- The on-call life of a Birth Doula
- The business of being a doula + Marketing & promotion
- Workshop closure– Graduation!
PLEASE NOTE: All classes must be attended ~ Missed classes cannot be made up
Online Birth Doula Trainings
10-Week Live Online Doula Training
Select a date below to register.
Weekly 10-Week Online Doula Training (Nov 12 – Jan 28) 2024 (no class Dec 24 and 31) Weekly 10-Week Online Doula Training (Feb 18- April 22) 2025Weekly 10-Week Online Doula Training (May 6 – Jul 8) 2025Weekly 10-Week Online Doula Training (Sept 16 – Nov 18) 2025
10-Week Online Birth Doula Training Investment
- Full Tuition $850
- Early Bird $765
Payment Plans
- 2 payments = $459
- 4 payments = $229.50
* Payment plans need to be complete within 3 months of enrollment date. If you need smaller payments over more time (e.g. starting with a smaller deposit), we’re happy to accommodate as long as payments are finished within 3 months of enrolling.
This 10-week online course is perfect for those who prefer learning in smaller segments or have weekday or weekend commitments. Our weekly live classes cover the same comprehensive content as our 3-day and 5-day workshops, but over an extended period, providing more flexibility for your schedule. (For more details, see the schedules for our 3-day and 5-day workshops.)
In this training, you will learn how to:
- Offer effective support for labor, birth, breastfeeding, and the postpartum period.
- Provide consistent emotional and physical care, empowering mothers and their partners to make informed decisions during their birthing experience.
- Deliver continuous support even when medical interventions or technology are necessary.
- Conduct professional prenatal and postpartum visits to build strong relationships with clients.
- Establish and grow your own private doula practice.
- Market yourself effectively as a professional doula.
Preparing for the Live Online Workshop:
- Ensure you have a quiet, distraction-free environment where you can fully focus. If you have small children, please arrange for childcare during class times to avoid interruptions.
- A reliable internet connection is essential for the entire duration of the course. Please keep your video on at all times during the sessions so you are visible on camera. Missing any part of the live classes may result in forfeiting your certificate of attendance.
- For the best experience, use a laptop or desktop computer. Using an iPad or phone may limit your ability to see all participants and engage in interactive elements like videos and group activities. You can set up a free Zoom account at www.zoom.us.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Classes must be attended live and will not be recorded.
- Missed classes cannot be made up.
AGENDA
Tuesdays | 6 pm to 8:30 pm PST | Held live online over Zoom
(Please see Workshop Schedules for 3 and 5 day workshops)
3-Day Accelerated Online Doula Training
Select a date below to register.
3-Day Accelerated Live Online Workshop (Nov 8-10) 20243-Day Accelerated Live Online Workshop (Jan 24-26) 20253-Day Accelerated Live Online Workshop (Apr 25-27) 20253-Day Accelerated Live Online Workshop (June 6-8) 20253-Day Accelerated Live Online Workshop (Aug 8-10) 20253-Day Accelerated Live Online Workshop (Oct 24-26) 20253-Day Accelerated Live Online Workshop (Dec 5-7) 2025
3-Day Online Birth Doula Training Investment
- Full Tuition $720
- Early Bird $650
Payment Plans
- 2 payments = $389.00
- 4 payments = $194.50
* Payment plans need to be complete within 3 months of enrollment date. If you need smaller payments over more time (e.g. starting with a smaller deposit), we’re happy to accommodate as long as payments are finished within 3 months of enrolling.
Join our live, online workshop via Zoom and receive the same comprehensive training as our in-person workshops—right from the comfort of your home! The workshop begins with our Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional class, which fulfills your childbirth education requirement for DONA certification (also known as “Introduction to Childbirth”). The following two days of the workshop focus on the Birth Doula Training, fulfilling the birth doula training requirement with DONA International. By attending this 3-day workshop, you will meet these two essential certification requirements.
Preparing for the Live Online Workshop:
- Set up in a quiet, distraction-free environment where you can fully focus on the training. If you have small children, please arrange for childcare during class times.
- Ensure you have a reliable internet connection throughout the workshop. Please keep your video on during all sessions so you are visible on camera. Missing any part of the live sessions may result in forfeiting your certificate of attendance.
- For the best experience, use a laptop or desktop computer. Using an iPad or phone may limit your ability to see all participants and engage in interactive elements such as videos and group activities. You can create a free Zoom account at www.zoom.us.
Please Note:
- Classes must be attended live and will not be recorded.
- Missed classes cannot be made up.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Day Before: Pre-Workshop Online Meet-up — 6:30-7:30pm PST. All class participants and your trainer will meet online over Zoom the evening before the training begins to go over what to expect from the training and take time for personal introductions. This is a mandatory meeting, so please plan accordingly.
Day 1: Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional | 10 am to 6:30 pm. (1-hour break around 1:30 pm.)
- Satisfies the “Introduction to Childbirth” certification requirement with DONA
- Lays the foundation of pregnancy, labor & birth and postpartum education for learning about doula support at the doula training workshop on days 2-3
- Fulfills CBE requirement for birth doula certification
Day 2: Birth Doula Training | 9 am to 6:30 pm (1-hour break around 1 pm)
- History of the Doula Profession
- Scope of Practice of the Birth Doula
- Undisturbed birth
- Instinctual, physiologic birth
- Labor Support Skills– Non-pharmacological
- Comfort Measures for Labor & Birth
Day 3: Birth Doula Training | 9 am to 6:30 pm (1-hour break around 1 pm)
- Hospital births & medical management of birth
- Medical pain management– narcotics & epidurals
- Inductions & augmentation of labor + Surgical births
- Racial disparity + Cultural Competency
- Loss & grieving
- Prenatal preparation with families + postpartum support
- The on-call life of a Birth Doula
- The business of being a doula + Marketing & promotion
- Workshop closure– Graduation!
PLEASE NOTE: Classes must be attended live ~ Classes are not recorded ~ Missed classes cannot be made up
Not sure you're ready to become a doula? Our Labor Support 101 Workshop is the perfect intro course!
Labor Support 101: Essential Skills for Family, Friends & Aspiring Doulas
Dates:
2-Day Online Course
Jan. 11-12, 2025 + March 8-9, 2025 | 1 PM -5 PM
3-Day Evening Course
Nov 20, 21, 22 + Feb 7, 8, 9 | 6 PM – 8:45 PM
Investment $275.00
Location: Online
2-Day Online Course Jan. 11-12 2025 (1 PM -5 PM)2-Day Online Course March 8-9 2025 (1 PM -5 PM)3-Day Evening Course Nov 20-22 2024 (6 PM – 8:45 PM)3-Day Evening Course Feb 7-9 2025 (6 PM – 8:45 PM)
Location: Online
Family & Friends who want to offer emotional and physical support to a loved one during childbirth. Partners who want to play an active and informed role in the birthing process. Aspiring Doulas looking to start their journey with foundational skills before investing in a full doula training. Essential Labor Support Techniques: From comfort measures to breathing exercises Effective Communication: How to be a strong advocate for birthing parents Creating a Calm Birth Environment: Learn how to foster relaxation and reduce stress Supporting the Birth Partner: Tips for helping both the birthing mother and their partner through the process Introduction to Doula Work: Explore the role of the doula and the value that knowledgeable support has for laboring mothers during their birth experience.
Birth Doula Training Frequently Ask Questions
After you finish your doula training workshop your trainer will have you register your workshop with DONA International. This is done in class at the end of the workshop, with the guidance of your trainer, and only takes a few minutes. Once you register your workshop, your certification packet will be emailed to you. There is no cost for this packet. Here are the requirements for certification, which can be completed in any order and at your own pace, but need to be completed and your application submitted to DONA within 3-years of attending your workshop:
- Attend a DONA-approved birth doula training workshop that’s at least 16-hours, like the one we offer at SCI. The workshop can be held in-person, online, or can be a hybrid workshop.
- Attend a childbirth education class. This must be as a doula student, not for education as a pregnant person. Our birth doula workshops at SCI include this in the curriculum—each training begins with this class.
- Attend a lactation class that’s specifically for perinatal professionals and at least 3-hours in length, like our Essential Breastfeeding Skills for Doulas & Birth Workers class at SCI.
- Complete reading assignments: 4 books + 2 Position Papers.
- Complete a self-assessment questionnaire.
- Create a resource list of providers and services in your community.
- Attend and document 3 births as primary labor support (after you have attended your workshop.)
- Purchase a DONA membership and pay the certification application fee.
- Fill out the application, compile your application paperwork, and submit to DONA for approval. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been received and another email once it has been given to an application reviewer. Generally this process takes anywhere from 3-8 weeks.
- Celebrate your certification!
Our doula workshops are never recorded, and all classes must be attended live (online or in-person) to receive a certificate of attendance. Missed classes and portions of missed classes cannot be made up. If you miss attending part of a class, or an entire class, you may be dropped from the course and will need to attend a new course in its entirety. If this occurs, you will be given the option to attend the same online workshop at SCI at no additional charge, but you will need to attend the entire workshop and not just the missed portion. (Please note: This policy does not pertain to in-person workshops or classes at SCI. Be sure to read over our Terms & Conditions page.)
Yes, we include the “Intro” class, although at SCI we call this class Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional. Our workshops all begin with this CBE class and are followed by the doula training workshop. This means you’ll leave our birth doula workshop with both certification requirements fulfilled. After you complete the workshop you will be able to begin attending births right away while you work on your other certification requirements with DONA.
Our birth doula training workshops do not include the breastfeeding class in the curriculum– you will need to attend a separate class to fulfill that requirement. We offer that class with our 3-hour Essential Breastfeeding Skills for Doulas & Birth Workers class. This class is currently only offered in-person at our school in Sacramento, but we’re happy to provide you with resources for online breastfeeding classes. The breastfeeding class is included in the curriculum of our postpartum doula training workshops.
$650-$850, depending on the training workshop you choose.
Yes. You’ll be emailed a certificate of attendance after attending the entire online doula workshop. If you attend our birth doula workshop, you’ll also receive a certificate of attendance for the childbirth education portion of your training. If you attend our postpartum doula workshop, you’ll also receive a certificate of attendance for the breastfeeding portion of your training.
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and after childbirth. Read the full blog post: “What is a Doula”
