Labor Doula Program

A doula assists women by providing physical and emotional support during labor (Labor Doula) or as a mother's helper postpartum (Postpartum Doula). A doula is not trained to provide health care for mother or baby. There are several organizations that offer workshops and certification for doulas. At Birthingway, we offer a course and certification for Labor Doulas, as well as a web page to facilitate matching doulas in our program with pregnant women.

Application Process

Application forms are available from the College and are accepted at any time of year.

Program Requirements

The Labor Doula Workshop is one part of the program and is offered several times a year. It may be taken without applying to the Labor Doula Program or the Midwifery Program. This Labor Doula Workshop or other approved Labor Doula class or workshop is a prerequisite for students desiring admission into the Midwifery Program. Please call the College to be put on a list to be notified of the next scheduled workshop. The cost of the workshop is $425.

To be certified by Birthingway as a Labor Doula, students must successfully complete:

• Birthingway's Labor Doula Workshop, “The Labor Doula: Assisting Women with Birth.” The workshop is 24 contact hours plus assignments. The cost for the Labor Doula Workshop is $425.

• Documentation of five active labor assists within 24 months of the workshop. Two of your births may have taken place within the twelve months prior to your completion of the workshop. At least three must take place after you have completed the workshop.

To request certification, the following items must be submitted to the College:

• A completed Labor Doula Certification Request (available from the College)

• A check or money order for $90

• A copy of the Labor Doula workshop certificate of completion

• Documentation of five Labor Assists

Birthingway will evaluate and verify all documentation.

Upon successful completion of all of the above requirements, Birthingway College of Midwifery will certify that the student has met the requirements of the Birthingway Labor Doula Program and is qualified to serve as a Certified Labor Doula. The Birthingway Labor Doula Certificate is valid for four years. Re-certification is $90 and requires documentation of five births during the four-year period as well as 15 contact hours of documented continuing education (i.e. classes, workshops, lectures, etc.)

Program Costs