More and more families are seeking doula services to support them throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experience. So if you are considering pursuing a career as a doula, now is a great time!
For aspiring doulas in San Diego, this guide is for you! Here, we feature training centers that offer extensive courses on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and other related topics. Aside from providing training, these centers can also guide you towards attaining doula certification.
Mom Ease Birth
Trainer: Diana Kay
Address: San Diego, California
Phone Number: 619-800-6443
Email: diana.kay@happymama.global
Website: https://momeasebirth.com/
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Training Workshop (USD 600, in-person)
- Intro to Breastfeeding Class for Doulas (USD 55, virtual)
Mode of Training: In-Person, Virtual
Duration:
- Birth Doula Training Workshop (3 days)
- Intro to Breastfeeding Class for Doulas (3 hours)
About the Trainer:
- DONA-Approved Birth Doula Trainer
- Certified Childbirth Educator
- Certified Lactation Counselor
How to Register: Get in touch with Diana Kay through phone, email, or by completing the form at https://momeasebirth.com/contact/.
San Diego County Midwives
Trainer: Gerri Ryan
Address: San Diego, California
Phone Number: 619-957-0910
Email: gerri@sdcmidwives.com
Website: https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Training Workshop
- Peanut Ball Training
Mode of Training: In-Person
Duration:
- Birth Doula Training (3 days)
- Birth Doula Training + Intro to Childbirth Education (4 days)
- Basic Peanut Ball Training (4 hours)
- Advanced Peanut Ball Training (7 hours)
About the Trainer:
- Certified Birth Doula Trainer (DONA International)
- Certified Professional Midwife
- Authorized Peanut Ball Trainer
How to Register: You contact San Diego County Midwives via phone, email, or by filling out the form at https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/contact-us/. Please note that their office hours are Mondays (10am – 6pm) and Thursdays (9am – 7pm). They are closed every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday to Sunday.
Topics Covered During the Doula Training Course
Both of the above centers cover topics such as: History of Birth, Introduction to Childbirth, Benefits of Doula support, Hands-on Techniques, Breastfeeding, Nutrition, and many more. Notably, San Diego County Midwives also offers basic and advanced Peanut Ball Training.
Cost of Becoming a Doula in San Diego
Mom Ease Birth charges USD 600 per head for its Birth Doula Training Workshop (in-person), and USD 55 per head for the Intro Breastfeeding Class for Doulas, which is held virtually.
Meanwhile, San Diego County Midwives’ Birth Doula Training costs USD 575 per person. They also offer a “complete” Birth Doula Training Package for USD 700 per head; this includes the Intro to Childbirth Education for Doulas course. Additionally, they conduct Peanut Ball Training, which costs USD 150 per person for basic doulas, and USD 250 per head for advanced nurses/doulas. All of their workshops are held in person.
NOTE: The Peanut Ball is a peanut-shaped, inflatable tool that is placed between birthing moms’ legs to help them as they experience labor.
How to Become a Certified Doula in San Diego
Attending Birth Doula Training at the above centers is the “first step” towards achieving DONA Birth Doula Certification. After this, you will be required to attend/assist at actual births, read journals, and complete other requirements. Please visit the official website of DONA International for more information about their birth doula certification process.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a doula career can be an exciting and fulfilling vocation. By learning from experts in the field, gaining experience, and accomplishing certification requirements, you are on your way towards becoming a doula!
NOTE: Please contact the above training centers directly through their official websites. Moreover, be sure to check if the training program you plan to enroll in is accredited by a recognized doula organization.