If you’ve been thinking about becoming a doula, read on! We’ve compiled a list of the best doula training centers in Denver, Colorado and nearby areas, so that you can start pursuing your dream career!
Doulas play an important role in the lives of expecting parents and their families — offering educational, physical, and emotional support as they navigate their birthing experience. If you are being called towards this noble and unique profession, let us share how you can begin your journey!
1. Denver Doula Training
Trainer: Ann Pollack
Address: Littleton, Colorado
Phone Number: 303-916-7969
Email: ann@denverdoulatraining.com
Website: https://denverdoulatraining.com/
Social Media: Facebook
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Training (USD 900)
- Basics of Lactation (USD 60)
Mode of Training: In-person
Duration: Birth Doula Training – 3 days (8am to 5pm or 6pm) / Basics of Lactation – 1 day (9am to 12:30pm)
About the Trainer:
- Certified Birth Doula (DONA)
- Birth Doula Trainer (DONA)
- Certified Lactation Counselor
- Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
- Certified Body Ready Method Pro
How to Register: To register for a class or training program, contact Ann Pollack through phone, email, or by completing her “Get in Touch” form at https://denverdoulatraining.com/contact/.
2. Julie Doula Workshop
Trainer: Julie Thompson
Phone Number: 814-512-2718
Email: juliedoulaworkshop@gmail.com
Website: https://www.juliedoulaworkshop.com/
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Workshop – including Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Education classes (USD 625 early bird special / USD 700 regular price)
Mode of Training: Virtual
Duration: 3 days
About the Trainer:
- Certified Postpartum Doula
- Childbirth Educator
- Certified Infant Massage Instructor
- Certified Lactation Consultant
- DONA Birth Doula Trainer
How to Register: To sign up for this workshop, you can contact Julie Thompson by calling 814-512-2718 or sending an email to juliedoulaworkshop@gmail.com.
3. Intuitive Birth
Address: Denver, Colorado
Phone Number: (805) 341-2333
Email: anna@intuitivebirth.com
Website: https://www.intuitivebirth.com/
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Training and Certification Offered:
- Mentorship Program
- Apprenticeship Program
Mode of Training: In-person
How to Register: To sign up for either the Mentorship or Apprenticeship Program, you can contact Intuitive Birth through phone or email.
Topics Covered During the Doula Training Course
The programs/workshops at each training center covers a variety of subjects designed for those who are aspiring to be birth doulas, postpartum doulas, or both. Among the topics included in their training programs are the following:
Denver Doula Training
- Intro to Childbirth for Doulas
- Role of a Doula
- Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics (DONA)
- Communication Skills
- Cesarian Birth Complications
- Breathing Techniques and Positions
- Basics of Lactation for Doulas
- Starting a Doula Business
- Cultural Competency for Doulas
Julie Doula Workshop
- Introduction to Childbirth
- The Role of the Doula
- Breastfeeding Course
- Hands-on Comfort Measures
- Challenging Childbirth
- Medications/Medical Interventions
- Emotional Support During Pregnancy/Birth
- Scope of Practice
- Code of Ethics
- New Certification Process
- Working with Partners
- Working with Other Professionals (Being a Team Player)
Intutive Birth
- Effective Communication
- Labor Support Techniques
- Pain Relief
- Breastfeeding Basics
- Newborn Care
Cost of Becoming a Doula in Denver, Colorado
Training costs differ among the training centers featured above. At Julie Doula Workshop, the trainer offers Birth Doula Training for USD 700 per participant. Notably, if you’re an “early bird” registrant, you can sign up for a discounted rate of USD 65 per participant.
At Denver Doula Training, on the other hand, the Birth Doula Training Program is priced at USD 900 per participant. This registration fee includes all course handouts and a comprehensive manual. In addition, each participant will receive “a doula bag of goodies,” along with exclusive access to a private Facebook community of fellow doulas. Likewise, the training center also offers a standalone “Basics of Lactation” class, which costs USD 60 per registrant.
As for Intuitive Birth, they do not have any published rates for their Mentorship and Apprenticeship Programs, but you can certainly reach out to them through the contact details presented above.
How to Become a Certified Doula in Denver, Colorado
At this point, it must be stated that attending the above training programs or workshops is simply the “first step” towards becoming a certified doula. By this, we mean becoming certified with the DONA International (formerly Doulas of North America), the world’s leading doula organization. Let’s take a look at how each of the centers guides participants towards becoming DONA-certified doulas:
Denver Doula Training
According to Denver Doula Training, after the program, participants are given about three (3) full years to complete their DONA certification. During this period, the training center offers ongoing mentoring and referral opportunities to help doulas work towards DONA certification.
Moreover, the center’s Birth Doula Training Program includes the “Intro to Childbirth for Doulas” class, which fulfills the certification requirement for childbirth education. Likewise, their “Basics of Lactation for Doulas” class fulfills the breastfeeding education requirement for birth and postpartum doulas.
Julie Doula Workshop
Similarly, Julie Doula Workshop also provides all the courses necessary for certification, including Childbirth Education and Lactation Education subjects. However, the training center also clarifies that there are other things to be accomplished, such as: paperwork, working with at least three clients, and other requirements.
Please visit the DONA International official website to see the full list of certification requirements for Birth Doulas as well as Postpartum Doulas.
Intuitive Birth
Intuitive Birth offers two types of programs for aspiring doulas. First, there’s the Mentorship Program, which provides personalized guidance. Activities include attending a birth, getting one-on-one mentorship from experienced doulas, and receiving different types of support. After completing this program, participants can start practicing as independent doulas or collaborate in teams with other practitioners.
Secondly, there’s the Apprenticeship Program, which provides participants with hands-on experience as they accompany experienced doulas during consultations, births, meetings, and visits. Upon completing this program, trainees become “Intuitive Birth” certified and can join the team. At the same time, they can also opt to pursue DONA certification.
Final Thoughts
Being a doula is both a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially since you are able to help numerous parents and families in their birthing journey. By getting proper training and certification, you can look forward to pursuing a successful career as a doula!
NOTE: For up-to-date details and fees, please visit the above training centers through their official websites. Moreover, double check to make sure that the center is accredited with a recognized doula organization.