What are the requirements for certification?

• Are there pre-requisites?
  
• How do I find a childbirth education classes?
  
• When can I go to births?
  
• How do I get a job as a doula?
  
• When are the registration fees due?
  
• Do you take credit cards?
  
• Can I retake your workshop at another time?
  

Certification requirements is the first topic discussed during the doula training.  If you are wondering how long it takes to get certified and what it costs review this document. 
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An Overview of Requirements for Birth Doula Certification – 

Applicants for DONA International certification must purchase a DONA Certification Packet, available at the DONA Boutique at www.DONA.org or by contacting the Home Office at (888) 788-DONA (3662) and completing the application which requires that you:

1. Verify and/or pay for membership in DONA International. 
2. Read five books from the required reading list and the DONA International Position Paper: The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity Care. 
3. Complete the Basic Knowledge Self-Assessment Tool. 
4. Complete one of the following options verifying experience with childbirth:
     Training in childbirth education or midwifery, 
     Work experience in labor and delivery    as a licensed practical or registered nurse, 
     Observe an approved childbirth education series of at least 12 hours in length (not as   an expectant parent), 
     Attend an Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas (7 hour minimum) taught by a DONA approved birth doula trainer. 
5. Provide documentation you completed the breastfeeding education (3 hour minimum) requirement. 
6. Attend a DONA International approved birth doula workshop of 16 hours or more in length. 
7. Provide labor support to at least three clients.
     The births that you submit must occur AFTER attending a DONA International approved birth doula workshop and after purchasing a birth doula certification packet.
8. Submit copies of good evaluations (Evaluation of Labor Support Services) from 
     Three birth mothers, plus
     Three primary care providers (physicians or midwives), and 
     For each physician’s evaluation a nurse's evaluation must be submitted. 
9. Document and submit records from three births, including:  Client Confidentiality Release Form Birth Record Sheets  Birth Essay
10. Develop a resource list that includes at least 45 resources from at least 30 different categories. 
11. Write an essay (500-1000 words) on The Purpose and Value of Labor Support. 
12. Sign the DONA International Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. 
13. Provide two character references.
14. Optional: Submit an essay on “Why I Became a Doula.” 
15. Pay the certification application processing fee.