Be a beautiful part of their birth story. Start your doula training today.
- How to Become Certified
4 simple steps to become certified.
Are you eligible?
- Doula Training Discount
Save On Doula Training-With Our
Black Friday Discount.
- International Doula...
The International Doula
Institute-Professional Doulas &...
- Free Intro Doula Course
Get a free introductory course.
Join our mailing list.
- Certified Doula Training
Become a Certified Doula-With Our
Online Doula Training School.
- How to Become Certified
Search results
Contact. For more information about the School of Nursing and its programs, please contact us: Student Affairs Office Box 951702 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1702 E-mail: sonsaff@sonnet.ucla.edu.
At The Doula School, we believe that a strong, supportive community of educators and birth workers is essential to fostering the next generation of doulas. Our team is made up of passionate and experienced professionals dedicated to empowering families and improving maternal health outcomes.
If you need these services, contact Health Net’s Customer Contact Center at: Individual & Family Plan (IFP) Members On Exchange/Covered California 1-888-926-4988 (TTY: 711)
Objectives: Community doulas, who provide culturally concordant, nonclinical support during and after pregnancy, are increasingly promoted as an evidence-based intervention to advance birth equity.
- Overview
- What is a doula?
- How to become a doula in California
- Skills and qualifications for doulas
- Work environment for a doula
- Salary and job outlook for a doula
A doula is a trained professional who provides valuable support and assistance during childbirth and postpartum. Understanding what a doula is and what skills they need can help you determine if this is the right career path for you.
In this article, we discuss how to become a doula in California, as well as the necessary skills, training and education for this role, and we provide information on salary and job outlook.
A doula provides emotional, physical and informational assistance during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Doulas offer non-medical support and may assist with techniques such as breathing, relaxation and positioning to help patients have a positive birth experience. They may also provide guidance and support with breastfeeding and adjusting to life with a new baby. Doulas work alongside medical staff to provide holistic care and advocate for the patient's needs and preferences.
Related: Learn About Being a Doula
1. Choose a doula training program
Consider a training program to understand the duties and skills required for a doula. Note that while doula training programs can be helpful, they aren't a requirement to work as a doula in California. Completing a training program can provide valuable education and certification, which can help build credibility and establish trust with clients. To find the right doula training program, you can start by asking for recommendations from other doulas, midwives or birth educators in your area. Research different programs online, read reviews from past participants and compare costs and schedules. When choosing a doula training program, consider the following factors: •Curriculum: Review the curriculum of the program to ensure that it covers the topics you're interested in, such as childbirth education, breastfeeding support and postpartum care. •Format: Consider whether the program is offered in-person, online or a combination of both. Choose a format that fits your schedule and learning preferences. •Instructor qualifications: Look for a program taught by experienced instructors who've worked as doulas themselves. •Certification: Consider whether the program offers certification and whether the certification is recognized by reputable organizations such as DONA International or CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). Related: 23 Types of Jobs in Labor and Delivery (With Salaries)
2. Complete the program and earn a certification
Once you choose the right program, complete your coursework to earn a certification. Doula training courses typically cover a wide range of subjects that prepare students to support individuals during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Some of the subjects may include: •Anatomy and physiology: Doulas learn about the female reproductive system, the stages of labor and the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. •Comfort Measures: Doulas learn techniques to help patients cope with pain and discomfort during labor, including breathing techniques, massage and positioning. •Communication and counseling skills: Doulas learn how to effectively communicate with patients, provide emotional support and help patients make informed decisions about their birthing experience. •Breastfeeding support: Doulas learn about what the benefits of breastfeeding are, how to position a baby for optimal latch and how to troubleshoot common breastfeeding challenges. •Postpartum care: Doulas learn how to support patients during the postpartum period, including working with babies and supporting with breastfeeding. In addition to these subjects, doula training courses may also cover business skills such as marketing, pricing and client management. Upon completion, many courses award students a certification, which helps establish authority and expertise in the field. Related: Should I Be a Doula? 10 Reasons To Pursue This Role
3. Gain practical experience with childbirth
Practical experience can be important for applying what you learn in the classroom in a birth environment. There are several ways a doula can gain practical experience with childbirth to improve their skill set and job opportunities: •Attend births as a doula-in-training. Many doula training programs require students to attend a certain number of births as part of their certification process. Attending births as a doula-in-training allows you to observe experienced doulas, gain hands-on experience and build your confidence. •Volunteer as a doula. Some hospitals or birth centers may have volunteer programs for doulas. Volunteering as a doula can help you gain practical experience and build relationships with health care providers and families in your community. •Offer services to friends and family. Offer your doula services to friends and family members who are expecting. This can provide you with valuable experience and help you build your portfolio of clients. •Work with a mentor. Finding a mentor who's an experienced doula can be an excellent way to gain practical experience and improve your skills. A mentor can provide guidance, support and feedback as you attend births and work with clients. Related: Doula vs. Midwife: What's the Difference? (With FAQs)
Doulas need many skills and qualifications in order to be successful in their careers. The most common of these include:
•Communication skills
•Knowledge of pregnancy, birth and postpartum processes
•Ability to work collaboratively with health care providers
•Ability to advocate for clients' rights and preferences
•Strong organizational skills
A doula's work environment is usually in various birth settings such as hospitals, birth centers or clients' homes. They work with clients throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods, providing emotional and physical support and evidence-based information. They often have flexible schedules and may work long hours, including nights and weekends. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, but also rewarding as doulas witness the transformative experience of childbirth and provide essential support to clients and their families.
Related: 11 Reasons To Be a Midwife (Plus Definition and Duties)
The national average salary for a doula in California is $78,559 per year. Many factors can affect this salary, including location and years of experience. For the most up-to-date salary information, click on the link(s) provided.
While there isn't any specific data on the job outlook for doulas, the BLS reports that midwives and other birth occupations might show as much as a 40% increase through 2031, which is higher than average. Becoming a doula can also be a viable career path and entry into the health care field.
Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
Video: Ultimate Job Interview Guide - What To Expect Plus Top 6 Tips
Jenn, a career coach, provides a look at the interviewing process and shares tips on how to position yourself for success at every step.
Applicants may also use the Contact Form, or call the BRN using the automated phone system at 916-322-3350. With the exception of State Holidays, the Board of Registered Nursing's hours of operation are: Main Phone Line: Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm.
People also ask
What is a community Doula program?
Who pays for a Doula program?
What is the Venice Family Clinic Doula program?
What counties does a community-based doula serve?
Para recomendar a alguien o inscribirse, complete nuestra Solicitud Para Padres de Servicios de acompañantes durante el parto (Doula) y Lactancia, o llame a Sabrina Jimenez at (626) 388-2191 ext. 2 o envíe un correo electrónico a: Sabrina.Jimenez@motherbabysupport.net. Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers.
