So, you want to become a certified birth doula! Yeah! That’s fantastic! It’s an amazing time to be supporting families as they give birth; families having babies in hospitals, at home, and at birthing centers all need your help.
As a doula, you have the potential to impact so many lives.
We are currently offering birth doula certification. Both postpartum doula and full spectrum doula certification are coming soon.
The first step in the certification process is to PURCHASE THE CERTIFICATON (PDF) PACKET, and once you do, we will guide you through the process of certification! How exciting is that?! For Doula Certification Package Fees, please reference the table below.
Certification is good for 3 years. Please note, the application packet fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Only the individual who purchased the packet can submit an application for certification. Please do not share packets with other individuals.
Fees
Individuals have the right to purchase the packet only to see if this certification path is right for them or purchase the certification membership which includes the packet, 3-year membership, physical certificate, a badge, and access to continues education discounts.
| Birth Doula Certification Review Fee | $35 |
| Regular Certification Membership Rate | $260 |
| Financial Discount Membership | $135 |
| Black/Indigenous Membership | Free as of August 2023 |
Global Perinatal Services Doula Certification Requirements Checklist
Please read this guide thoroughly. In the following pages, you will find everything you need to complete your application. Benefits of certification with GPS, include becoming a member of the community, referrals from our inquiry line, listing in our website directory, and many more.
- 1. Purchase and Read Certification Application and Guide
- 2. Read
- A. Vision, Mission, and Value Statement
- B. Standard of Practice
- C. Code of Ethics
- D. Core Competence Guide
- 3. Letter of Recommendation (choose one)
- A. From a community perinatal professional
- B. From a family you have supported
- 4. Attend Monthly Doula Certification Meetings
- 5. Complete and Submit
- A. Certification Application
- B. Competency Assessment
- 6. Complete Interview for Certification
- 7. Recommended Readings
- Policing the Womb by Michele Goodwin
- Birthing Justice by Julia Chinyere Parah and Alicia D. Bonaparte
- Reproductive Justice by Loretta J. Ross and Rickie Solinger
- Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington
- The Big Letdown by Kimberly Seals Allers
- The Birth Partner by Penny Simkins, 5th Edition
- Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery and the Newborn, by Penny Simkins, 5th Edition
- Breastfeeding Made Simple, by Mohrbacher and Kendall-Tackett
- The Doula Business Guide by Patty Brenan, 3rd Edition
