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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
During this DONA Approved Doula Training
you will learn how to:
In addition to learning the Art of Childbirth Assisting, our unique doula workshop provides an exploration of historical and conventional paradigms around childbirth. You’ll learn the special role of Birth Doulas and how we can help women and families return to the ancient wisdom and instinctual nature of birthing and parenting.
- Provide highly effective labor & birth, breastfeeding, and early postpartum care and support.
- Support mothers and their partners in their choices while providing consistent emotional and physical care during their birthing experience.
- Provide continuous support and care when technology and or medication become necessary.
- Conduct prenatal and postpartum visits with clients.
- Develop your own private doula service.
- Market and promote yourself as a professional 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
Janine has been a childbirth professional since 1982 when she became passionate about helping to improve maternity health care in our country. She started her work as a childbirth educator and birth assistant (now known as doulas), and has witnessed and participated in the evolution of the doula profession since its beginning.
- 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
In-Person 5-Day Doula 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.
Our 5-day in-person workshop is our most popular training! This workshop begins with our 2-day Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional class followed by three days of birth doula training. Attendance fulfills two birth doula certification requirements with DONA International– the CBE + the birth doula requirements.
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
In-Person 3-Day Doula Training
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 provides the same valuable content as our 5-day workshops, but over 3-days with more classroom hours each day. The Accelerated training begins on day one with our Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional class which sets the foundation for your doula training. You’ll leave this workshop with two certification requirements completed for birth doula certification with DONA International– your childbirth education + doula training requirements.
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
Weekly 10-Week Online Doula Training
Select a date below to register.
Weekly 10-Week Online Doula Training (Oct 22 – Dec 19) 2024Weekly 10-Week Online Doula Training (Jan 14 – Mar 18) 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 live online training course is designed for those who learn best when content is offered in shorter segments, or those with other commitments during the week day or weekend. Our weekly classes provide the same valuable content as our 3 and 5 day workshops, but over several weeks. (Please see Workshop Schedules for 3 and 5 day workshops.)
In this training you will learn how to…
- Provide highly effective labor & birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum support.
- Support mothers and their partners in their choices while providing consistent emotional and physical care during their birthing experience.
- Provide continuous support and care when technology and or medication become necessary.
- Conduct prenatal and postpartum visits with clients.
- Develop your own private doula service.
- Market and promote yourself as a professional doula.
To prepare for attending this live online workshop:
- Make sure you have a quiet, undisturbed environment where you’re not preoccupied or distracted by driving, riding in a car, walking, etc. If you have small children, please have a care person to attend to them to avoid distractions.
- You’ll need to have a reliable Internet connection for the duration of the entire online course. Be sure to keep your video on at all times while the classes are in session so you’re visible on camera. Missing any portion of the live virtual workshop may result in forfeiting your certificate of attendance.
- Please use a laptop or desktop for the best experience. If you try to use an iPad or phone you will not see all group participants and may miss interactive elements like videos and small group activities. You can sign up for a free Zoom account at www.zoom.us
PLEASE NOTE: Classes must be attended live ~ Classes are not 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 (Oct 18-20) 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.
This live workshop is held online over Zoom and provides the same valuable content as our in-person workshops– from the comfort of your own home! The workshop begins with our Childbirth Education for the Birth Professional class which satisfies your childbirth education requirement for DONA certification. (DONA labels this class Introduction to Childbirth Education or “Intro to Childbirth.”) The Birth Doula Training workshop over the following two days fulfills your birth doula training requirement with DONA International, so by attending this 3-day workshop you’ll leave with two certification requirements completed.
To prepare for attending this live online workshop:
- Make sure you have a quiet, undisturbed environment where you’re not preoccupied or distracted by driving, riding in a car, walking, interacting with others, etc. If you have small children, please have a care person to attend to them to avoid distractions.
- You’ll need to have a reliable Internet connection for the duration of the entire online course. Be sure to keep your video on at all times while the classes are in session so you’re visible on camera. Missing any portion of the live virtual workshop may result in forfeiting your certificate of attendance.
- Please use a laptop or desktop for the best experience. If you try to use an iPad or phone you will not see all group participants and may miss interactive elements like videos and small group activities. You can sign up for a free Zoom account at www.zoom.us
Classes must be attended live ~ Classes are not 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
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”
