Becoming a certified doula takes time, as you will have to undergo training and meet specific requirements. This is essential since doulas are tasked to offer educational, physical, and emotional support to expectant families during their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey.
Also Read: List of Agencies to Hire a Doula in Los Angeles, California
For aspiring doulas in Los Angeles, we have compiled the following list of training centers where you can learn, develop, and enhance the skills that are needed to become a certified and successful doula.
Bini Birth
Trainer: Ana Paula Markel
Address: Los Angeles, California
Phone Number: 818-822-9568
Email: info@binibirth.com
Website: https://binibirth.com/
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Workshop (Virtual – USD 545, In-Person USD 645)
Mode of Training: In-Person, Virtual
Duration: 3 days
About the Trainer:
- Certified Doula (DONA International)
- DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer
- Certified Childbirth Educator (ICEA)
- Certified Childbirth Educator Trainer (ICEA)
How to Register: For questions and inquiries, you can contact Bini Birth via phone, email, or by filling out the form at https://binibirth.com/contact/.
Birth Matters
Trainer: Christine Cleary
Address: Los Angeles, California
Phone Number: 405-831-4473
Email: chris@birthmattersok.com
Website: http://birthmattersok.com/
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Training Workshop
Mode of Training: Virtual
Duration: 36 hours (4 days to complete)
About the Trainer:
- Certified Doula (DONA)
- Certified Childbirth Educator
- Certified Breastfeeding Educator
How to Register:
Visit the following website and click on the dates you would like to register for the Birth Doula Training Workshop: https://birthmattersok.com/dona-approved-birth-doula-training-registration/.
Doula Training Los Angeles
Trainer: Kathrin Auger
Address: Los Angeles, California
Phone Number: 310-430-1113
Email: kathrin@losangelesdoula.com
Website: https://losangelesdoula.com/doula-training-los-angeles/
Training and Certification Offered:
- Postpartum Doula Training (USD 699)
Mode of Training: In-Person
Duration: 3 days (8am to 6pm, every day)
How to Register: Visit this site to choose your preferred workshop dates and to proceed with your registration: https://losangelesdoula.com/postpartum-doula-training-options/.
Harmony Doula
Trainer: Teri Nava-Anderson, Ph.D.
Address: Los Angeles, California
Phone Number: 408-391-7797
Email: teri@harmonydoula.com
Website: http://harmonydoula.com/
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Training Workshops (USD 695)
- Postpartum Doula Training Workshops (USD 695)
- Combined Birth and Postpartum Doula Training Workshops (USD 1095)
Mode of Training: Virtual
Duration: 4-to 6-day workshops OR 8 to 13 weekly sessions
About the Trainer:
- Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA International)
- Lactation and Childbirth Educator (ICEA)
- Lactation Educator and Counselor (Evergreen Perinatal, Gold Lactation)
How to Register: Visit the following website to see the 2025-26 workshop calendar: https://harmonydoula.com/DONA-doula-training/register-for-doula-training.html. You can also register directly on this site.
TENS for Doulas
Trainer: Robin Elise Weiss
Phone Number: 502-233-1018
Email: robin@doulabusiness.com
Website: https://doula.thrivecart.com/tens-for-doulas/
Training and Certification Offered:
- TENS for Doulas
Mode of Training: Virtual
Duration: 3 hours
About the Trainer:
- Certified Birth Doula (DONA)
- Certified Childbirth Educator (ICEA)
- Birth Doula Trainer (DONA)
- Lamaze Childbirth Educator
- Certified Lactation Counselor
- Masters of Public Health
- Ph.D. in Health Management
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://doula.thrivecart.com/tens-for-doulas/ to register for the TENS for Doulas training.
Topics Covered During the Doula Training Course
Here are some of the topics covered during workshops at the above doula training centers:
- Childbirth Education
- Role of the Doula
- Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas
- Introduction to Labor Support
- Doulas’ Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct
- Emotional Support During Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Breastfeeding and Chest Feeding
- Lactation Support Education
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Effective Communication
- Holistic Approaches to Pregnancy and Childbirth
- How to Start Your Doula Business
- Marketing and Business Organization Skills
- Working with Partners/Dads
- About the DONA Doula Certification Process
Cost of Becoming a Doula in Los Angeles
Training costs vary slightly among the different training centers in Los Angeles. For Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula Training, the cost ranges between USD 645 and USD 699 each. One of the centers offers a Combined Birth and Postpartum Doula Training Workshop for USD 1095.
Mode of training is also a factor, with one training center offering a Birth Doula Workshop for USD 545 (virtual) or USD 645 (in-person).
As for payment options, some centers offer early bird discounts, along with payment or installment plans. Notably, some also provide discounts for the LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, as well as those who are affiliated with the military (active or dependents).
How to Become a Certified Doula in Los Angeles
All of the above training centers describe their workshops as “the first step” towards doula certification. Along with Birth Doula Training, many of them include Childbirth Education and Lactation Education components, as these are required to attain DONA International certification.
After attending the workshops, participants are guided/mentored by the training centers until they reach DONA certification. The process generally includes becoming a member of DONA International, reading books and papers from DONA’s reading list, attending and documenting three birth support experiences, and completing other requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to become a certified doula?
It depends on the particular training program that you’ll take. Basic courses can usually be completed within just days or weeks, while, more extensive training programs could take several months up to a year.
2. Can I specialize in specific areas as a doula?
Yes. You may opt to specialize in high-risk pregnancy support, VBAC assistance, comprehensive postpartum care, VBAC assistance, lactation consulting, and other niches. Keep in mind that specializing in any of these fields would require further training and certifications.
3. How do I choose the best doula training program for me?
The best doula program for you is one that aligns with your personal values, goals, and what you hope to achieve as a practicing doula. You should also consider the specific curriculum, cost, method of instruction, training duration, and other aspects.
4. Can I work as a doula while completing my certification?
Absolutely! In fact, many doulas begin practicing even before their certification is completed. This enables them to gain hands-on experience, while expanding their network at the same time.
5. What are the prospects for doulas in Los Angeles?
There is a growing demand for doulas in Los Angeles, presenting a great opportunity for doulas in the city. You can work on your own, join a doula network, or collaborate with midwives, doctors, and other practitioners.
Final Thoughts
Being a doula is a rewarding vocation. You play a crucial role in guiding and supporting expectant families; in other words, you are making a significant and lasting impact on their lives. By joining a training program where you can learn and hone your skills, you can look forward to becoming a certified doula!
PLEASE NOTE: For the latest details, visit the official websites of the above training centers. Don’t forget to check if the training program you have chosen is accredited by a recognized doula organization.