Become a Doula
SO YOU WANT TO BECOME A DOULA WITH THE BIRTHWORK FOUNDATION? LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR APPLICATION AND TRAINING PROCESS BELOW.
For many women of color, becoming a doula is more than just a career choice — it’s a calling. It’s about reconnecting with cultural traditions of caregiving and birth that have been passed down through generations. In a world where systemic disparities in healthcare persist, particularly for Black and Indigenous communities, doulas play a crucial role in offering the support, advocacy, and care that many women need.
Why birthwork matters
Doulas also play a critical role in the postpartum period, offering vital support as mothers recover and adjust to new parenthood. For many women of color, this guidance can be life-changing. Our doulas help ensure that women feel not only physically supported but emotionally cared for in the delicate months after birth. We also connect families to important interpersonal resources: whether it’s mental health support, breastfeeding advice, or community groups — all of which help build stronger, more resilient communities and families.
Working with The Birthwork Foundation is an opportunity to break the cycle of inequality, and create spaces where people can reclaim power in their birth stories, support one another, and ultimately change the course of maternal health for generations to come.
Whether you're newly inspired to begin your doula journey or already certified, The Birthwork Foundation welcomes individuals who are passionate about reproductive justice and holistic care for marginalized families.
We look for birth workers who:
Believe in providing judgment-free, evidence-based support.
Are committed to learning and growing through mentorship and education.
Want to help reduce disparities in birth outcomes for communities of color.
are you the right person?
Membership benefits and resources:
Directory placement and client referrals
Scholarships for continued learning
PSI trainings and helpful checklists
Childbirth education and mentorship
Business and financial literacy workshops
Member badge for marketing and visibility
becoming a doula
Learn & Train
Start by completing an approved training program. We recognize certifications from:
Bebo Mia
Birthing From Within
BirthWorks
Birth Advocacy Doula Training
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
Childbirth International (CBI)
DONA International
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
International Perinatal Professional Association (IPPA)
National Black Doula Association (NBDA)
Connect with a Mentor
Mentorship is at the heart of our foundation. New doulas are paired with experienced mentors to provide guidance, answer questions, and support you through your certification process.
Join the Foundation
Once certified or actively training, you can become a member of The Birthwork Foundation. Membership gives you access to education, community, and opportunities to grow your practice.
Certifying Doulas
Must be currently working with a mentor or have worked with one mentor within the last 2 years from the date of workshop training completion.
Certified Doulas
Must have worked with a mentor within the last 5 years, or completed certified professional development training with training proof.
-
Yes — we do offer scholarships, and aspiring doulas seeking a scholarship can fill out the application form below. Scholarships are first come, first serve.
-
Once an applicant fills out the form, they will receive an email acknowledging that their application has been received.
The next step is that the applicant will receive an email two weeks prior to a scheduled informational meeting so that they can register to learn more about doula work, and how we show up in the community.
Expectations, further questions, and the cost associated with the training that is not covered by The Birthwork Foundation are also discussed within the informational meeting.
-
Our team will send an email stating the application has been received. For example, if someone applies today and the next training is not until June — they will not hear from us again until March or late February of the following year.
-
Our team will send an email at least 2 weeks in advance of the informational meeting.
-
The informational meetings give doula applicants time to learn more about The Birthwork Foundation, and they can get a full understanding of our values and our expectations. We also use this time to help answer any questions the applicant may have.
In addition, this informational meeting is mandatory before any scholarships are approved.
Doula Application Process faqs
Biannual Birth Training
We offer birth trainings to doula applicants twice every year. One in the Spring, and one within the Summer of that year. The trainings encompass our comprehensive approach to birthwork.
Lactation training
Aspiring doulas learn all about the basics of breastfeeding, which can include: breast anatomy, latching and positioning, feeding tips, and how to assist with challenges involving lactation.
Postpartum training
This training focuses on helping new parents after the birth, which is a sensitive time that’s usually physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding for parents. Training can cover recovery, newborn and family support, and more.
Professional Development
The Birthwork Foundation assists new doulas with self-empowerment, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills — and other non-clinical skills necessary in engaging with parents, families, and their communities in an effective way.
The Birthwork Foundation: Doula Training
Easily fill out your information within our Contact Us form if you are interested in becoming a doula. After submission, our team will reach out to you to schedule an informational meeting.
For applicants interested in a scholarship for doula training with The Birthwork Foundation, fill out the scholarship form below. Scholarships are first come, first serve.