Thinking about pursuing a career as a doula? If so, keep on reading as we feature the top doula training centers in New York City. We’ll also be presenting a step-by-step guide on how you can become a certified doula.
Doulas play a significant role in the lives of expectant parents and their families, providing valuable physical, emotional, and educational support throughout their birthing journey. If you feel called towards this fulfilling and enriching career, this article is made especially for you!
1. Birth Day Presence
Contact Person: Debra Pascali – Bonaro
Address: Brooklyn, New York
Phone Number: 917-407-1347
Email: jada@birthdaypresence.com
Website: https://birthdaypresence.com/birth-doula-training/
Training and Certification Offered:
- Hybrid Birth Doula Training (USD 899)
- Virtual Postpartum Doula Training (USD 895)
- FAST-TRACK Certification: Birth Doula (USD 495)
- FAST-TRACK Certification: Postpartum Doula (USD 495)
Mode of Training: Hybrid (Part Virtual, Part In-Person)
About the Trainer:
- Lamaze Childbirth Educator
- Doula Trainer
How to Register: Contact Jada Shapiro (Founder and Director) by calling 917-407-1347 or sending an email to jada@birthdaypresence.com. You can also fill out the online form at https://birthdaypresence.com/contact/.
2. Birthing Gently
Trainer: Tara Campbell
Address: New York City, New York
Phone Number: 978-314-5533
Email: doula@birthinggently.com
Website: https://www.birthinggently.com/
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Workshop (USD 600)
- Breastfeeding for Professionals (USD 150)
Mode of Training: Virtual
Duration: 3 Days (Birth Doula Workshop), 3 hours (Breastfeeding for Professionals)
About the Trainer:
- Certified Doula Trainer (DONA International)
How to Register: Get in touch with Tara Campbell by calling 978-314-5533 or sending an email to doula@birthinggently.com.
3. Julie Doula Workshop
Trainer: Julie Thompson
Address: New York City, New York
Phone Number: 814-512-2718
Email: juliedoulaworkshop@gmail.com
Website: https://www.juliedoulaworkshop.com/
Training and Certification Offered:
- Childbirth Education
- Breastfeeding
- Birth Doula Workshop (Total Cost USD 600-700, with Early Bird Specials)
Mode of Training: Virtual
Duration: 3 Days
About the Trainer:
- Certified Postpartum Doula
- Childbirth Educator
- Certified Infant Massage Instructor
- Certified Lactation Consultant
How to Register: Contact Julie Thompson by calling 814-512-2718 or sending an email to juliedoulaworkshop@gmail.com.
4. Nurturing Doula Dreams
Trainer: Ann Grauer
Address: New York City, New York
Phone Number: 414-704-0320
Email: annidoula@gmail.com
Website: https://www.anngrauer.com/
Training and Certification Offered:
- Postpartum Doula Workshop (USD 650 tuition fee)
Mode of Training: Virtual
Duration: 27 Hours
About the Trainer:
- Certified Birth Doula
- Certified Postpartum Doula
- Certified Lamaze Educator
- Board Certified Lactation Consultant
- Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional
- Lamaze International Elisabeth Bing Award recipient 2007
- DONA International’s Phyllis Klaus Award recipient 2022
How to Register: Get in touch with Ann Grauer by calling 414-704-0320 or sending an email to annidoula@gmail.com.
5. Postpartum Doula Training
Trainer: Krista Maltais
Address: Brooklyn, New York
Email: Info@Postpartum-Doula-Training.com
Website: https://postpartum-doula-training.com/attend-a-workshop
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Training and Certification Offered:
- Postpartum Doula Workshop
- Basics of Lactation Support
Mode of Training: In-Person, Virtual
Duration: 4 Days (In-Person/Virtual), 8 Weeks (Extended Training Workshop)
About the Trainer:
- Certified Advanced Postpartum Doula (DONA International)
- Certified Postpartum Doula Trainer (DONA International)
- Certified Advanced Lactation Consultant (Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice)
How to Register: You can get in touch with Krista Maltais by sending an email to Info@Postpartum-Doula-Training.com or by filling out the online form at https://postpartum-doula-training.com/contact-krista.
Topics Covered During the Doula Training Course
Course packages may vary among different training centers, although here are some general topics that are often covered:
1. Introduction to the Roles and Responsibilities of a Doula
- Definition of a Doula
- Scope of Practice
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Emotional, Physical, and Informational Support
- Partner and Family Support
- Continuity of Care
2. Prenatal Health and Education
- Birth Plans and Preferences
- Nutrition and Lifestyle During Pregnancy
- Prenatal Exercise and Relaxation Techniques
- Prenatal Appointments and Tests
- Recognizing and Addressing Common Pregnancy Concerns
- Identifying High-Risk Pregnancies
3. Stages of Labor and Birth Techniques
- Overview of the Stages of Labor
- Labor Positions and Movement
- Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
- Pain Relief Options (Natural and Medical)
- Role of the Doula During Labor and Birth
- Supporting Cesarean Births and VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
4. Common Birth Challenges and Interventions
- Induction and Augmentation of Labor
- Fetal Monitoring and Potential Complications
- Assisted Deliveries (Forceps, Vacuum Extraction)
- Informed Decision-Making and Advocacy
5. Breastfeeding Support
- Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Anatomy and Physiology of Lactation
- Latching and Positioning
- Establishing and Maintaining Milk Supply
- Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions
- Bottle-feeding and Alternative Feeding Methods
6. Postpartum Care
- Physical and Emotional Recovery After Birth
- Newborn Care and Safety
- Sleep and Soothing Techniques
- Postpartum Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety)
- Support for Parents and Families During Postpartum Period
7. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Active Listening and Empathy
- Building Rapport and Trust with Clients
- Navigating Difficult Conversations
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
- Collaborating with Healthcare Providers
8. Business Development and Marketing
- Staring and Growing a Doula Business
- Networking and Building Partnerships
- Marketing Strategies (Online, Offline)
- Social Media Presence and Branding
- Client Testimonials and Referrals
9. Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Informed Consent and Confidentiality
- Professional Boundaries and Scope of Practice
- Liability and Insurance
- Policies and Contracts
- Advocacy and Activism Within the Birth Community
After taking courses in these topics, prospective doulas shall be better prepared to provide excellent services and support to birthing families throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences.
Cost of Becoming a Doula in New York City
As for the cost, here are some things to consider with regard to expenses:
1. Training and Certification
Becoming a certified doula involves taking a course from a recognized doula training center. The fees usually include course materials and certification costs, while the total cost may may vary depending on the training provider and the curriculum. Fortunately, some training centers offer payment plans, as well as discounts for early registration.
2. Books and Educational Resources
Even after you finish a training course, it’s always a good idea to continuously read and expand your knowledge. Be sure to allocate some of your budget for books, online courses, and other materials that provide information about the latest studies and practices in the field.
3. Professional Membership
Being a part of a professional association not only boosts your credentials as a double, but also offers opportunities for networking, continuing education, and various resources. Membership fees are minimal and often paid annually, but these are certainly worth it!
4. Business Expenses
Your businesses is bound to include a website, marketing materials, and other expenses. Take time to make a list of the things you’ll need, to get a better idea of your business expenses.
5. Travel, Equipment, and Materials
Since you will be traveling to clients’ homes, birthing centers, and hospitals, travel costs would take up a sizeable chunk of your budget. Likewise, equipment and materials like birth balls, rebozos, TENS units, portable pans, massage oils, cooling packs, also need to be considered.
How to Become a Certified Doula in New York City
To become a certified doula, you’ll need to consider your approaches to education and training, develop core skills and traits, and complete the requirements for doula certification.
Approaches to Doula Education and Training
1. University Programs
There are some universities that offer courses on midwifery, childbirth education, and doula training. These courses tackle foundational knowledge and skills that are essential for doulas.
2. Internships
Some experienced doulas offer hands-on training and mentorship for aspiring practitioners. Consider this approach if you want to learn directly from experts in the field, while gaining hands-on experience.
3. Private Training Schools
Private training skills offer in-person as well as online classes for prospective doulas. Depending on your time, budget and preferred topics, choose a school that best fits your needs and preferences.
Core Skills and Traits for Doulas
Being a doula is not for everyone. To be successful in the field, you need to have certain core skills and traits, such as:
- Active Listening and Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Advocacy and Support for Birthing Individuals and Their Families
- Calm and Reassuring Demeanor
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
- Empathy and Compassion
- Knowledge of Birth Physiology, Stages of Labor, and Comfort Measures
Steps to Achieve Doula Certification in New York City
To become a certified doula in New York City, simply follow these steps:
1. Choose a Doula Training Program
Choose a training program that best fits your personal goals and values as an aspiring doula. Likewise, factors such as cost, training duration, and mode of training should also be taken into consideration.
2. Complete Required Courses and Workshops
Once you have enrolled in a doula training program, be sure to complete all the required courses and workshops. These may include topics on prenatal care, labor support, postpartum care, and other matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need formal education to become a doula in New York City?
Formal education is not necessary to become a doula, although getting certified by a reputable training center will certainly help you become more knowledgeable and skilled in the field.
2. How do I choose the best doula training program for me?
When choosing a doula training program, consider the curriculum, cost, duration of training, method of training, and other factors. Moreover, be sure to select a program that fits your personal goals and values.
3. How long does it take to become a certified doula?
The duration of doula training programs depend on the curriculum and topics covered. Some “short courses” may take just a few weeks, while more extensive programs may be completed in a few months up to a year.
4. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a doula training program?
Generally, prerequisites are not necessary for most doula training programs. Still, it’s important to have a genuine passion for helping birthing families, along with a basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pregnancy, and the childbirth process.
5. What kind of hands-on experience is required for doula certification?
This may vary among training programs. Usually, aspiring doulas will be required to attend a specific number of supervised births, while also submitting a report of their involvement in prenatal, labor, childbirth, and postpartum support.
6. Can I work as a doula while completing my certification?
Yes, you can. Some doulas start offering their services while completing their certification. This allows them to gain experience and build their network, while working towards certification.
7. How do I maintain my doula certification?
Depending on the organization, you may be asked to attend workshops, enroll in a continuing education program, or participate in organizational activities to maintain your doula certification. Be sure to ask your organization for their specific requirements.
8. Can I specialized in specific areas as a doula?
Yes. Some of the areas you may specialize in are lactation consulting, high-risk pregnancies, VBAC support, postpartum care, and others. These may require additional training and certifications on your part.
9. What are the prospects for doulas in New York City?
The demand for doulas in New York City is getting higher, as more and more families are seeking support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. You can work independently, join a doula network, or collaborate with midwives, obstetricians, and other practitioners.
10. What is the average cost of doula training in New York City?
The cost of doula training may vary depending on the specific program and the training organization. Furthermore, you’ll need to consider the costs of books, materials, travel costs, and other factors.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a doula is a noble calling; you play a valuable role in supporting parents and families throughout their birthing journey. With the right training and certification, and finding a program that aligns with your personal values, you are well on your way to becoming a certified doula!
NOTE: Please visit the above training centers through their website for the latest information. Furthermore, make sure that your chosen training center is accredited with a recognized doula organization.