Doula Career Guide

What is a doula?

A doula is someone who helps women before, during, and after giving birth. They are not doctors or nurses and don’t give medicine or do surgeries. Instead, they support and help the mom (and her family) through the process of having a baby.

Doulas have become more popular over the last few decades. More groups now offer training and certification to become a doula. They mainly provide emotional and physical support during childbirth and the weeks around it. Doulas also give information and help the family communicate with the hospital staff.

Studies show that moms with a doula are less likely to have a C-section, have shorter labors, use less pain medication, and have a better birth experience overall. They work with the medical team and the family to make the birth as good as it can be.

Duties and responsibilities

Doulas meet with expectant moms and their families a few months before the baby is due to help them prepare and make a birth plan. As the due date gets closer, they help get the home ready for the baby.

At the hospital, doulas might give massages, help with breathing and relaxing, and make sure the mom drinks enough water and eats. After the baby is born, they can help with breastfeeding tips and look after the new parents’ needs too.

Work environment

Doulas work in places like hospitals and birthing centers, and sometimes, they help with home births. They might meet clients at an office or visit their homes to prepare. The job can be calm or stressful, depending on the situation.

Being a doula is also physically demanding. They spend a lot of time on their feet, giving massages and helping around the house.

Typical work hours

Doulas don’t have regular hours. They need to be ready whenever labor starts, which can happen at any time and last from a couple of hours to a few days. While they can schedule some meetings before and after the birth, they need to be flexible during the birth itself.

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How to become a doula

Becoming a doula doesn’t require a college degree but involves training and certification. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start your journey:

Step 1: Earn your high school diploma

First, finish high school. Understanding basic biology and health from your high school classes is crucial.

Step 2: Take a doula training course

You can find training courses through organizations like DONA International. These courses usually involve around 12 hours in a classroom, 16 hours of practical training, and attending 2 to 5 births for hands-on experience.

Step 3: Get certified

While not mandatory, getting certified, such as through DONA International or Birth Arts International, can boost your job prospects and credibility. Certification shows you’ve had formal training.

Step 4: Join databases and gain experience

Register on online databases to make it easy for potential clients to find you. Start working with families to gain experience and references.

• Dona.org – Doulas of North America
• Doulamatch.com – Online database of certified doulas that allows filtering by location and experience
• Alace.org – Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators database
• Cappa.net – Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association

Step 5: Keep learning

Staying updated is key in this job. Consider courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:

• Take the Mastering the Doula Client Interview class to help grow your business and earn more clients. You’ll learn how to find your ideal clients, showcase what makes you stand out from other doulas, and practice all the basics of follow-up and good interview skills. 
• Udemy offers a course on Resolving Conflict in the Birth Room to give you additional insight into managing high emotions and stress during some births. Doulas might need to help advocate for moms and work with the medical teams, and it’s important to have the skills to manage any potential conflicts or differences of opinion. 
• Take the Childbirth: A Global Perspective course from Coursera to learn more about the challenges moms and babies face in the developing world. This course covers specific delivery challenges for maternal and newborn health services and ways to utilize community-based strategies to improve the health of everyone. 
• Deep dive into the midwifery model in the Global Quality Maternal and Newborn Care course. With multiple experts providing insight and real-life examples, you’ll understand the benefits of implementing these ideas in your own practice and be able to advocate better for your clients. 

Step 6: Maintain your certification

Make sure you meet the ongoing requirements to keep your certification up to date, which might include additional training or testing every few years.

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How much do doulas make?

There are many variables that go into determining how much a doula makes. Some charge a flat rate per birth, and others charge hourly rates. Experienced doulas charge up to $2000 per birth, so their annual earnings depend on how many deliveries they assist with within a year. Those working in major US cities tend to make more money and remain busier than in small towns and rural areas. 

Browse doula salary data by market

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Types of doulas

There are four main types of doulas, each specializing in different stages of the pregnancy and childbirth process. While many are trained to support more than one area, their specific roles can vary based on their training and experience.

Labor and birth doula

These are the most common doulas. They help expectant parents prepare for childbirth by providing information on birth plans, what to expect in the delivery room, and how to prepare for the baby’s arrival. They also teach breathing and relaxation techniques to help during labor.

Antepartum doula

Antepartum doulas help women who need to be on bed rest during pregnancy. They assist with household tasks and help prepare for the baby’s arrival, making things easier for moms who need to limit their activity.

Postpartum doula

After the baby arrives, postpartum doulas support new parents. They offer advice on breastfeeding, sleep schedules, and other aspects of caring for a newborn. They are especially helpful in answering the many questions new parents have.

Doula for other reproductive needs

Doulas also support individuals through other reproductive challenges such as miscarriages, pregnancy terminations, surrogacy, adoption, and fertility issues. They provide guidance and emotional support through these complex processes.

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Top skills for doulas

Being a doula requires a unique set of skills to support families during the emotional and physical challenges of childbirth. Here are the key skills needed:

Love for babies and families

A genuine affection for babies and a passion for supporting families are crucial. This helps in creating a positive and nurturing environment during the childbirth process.

Calmness in stressful situations

Childbirth can be intense and emotional. Doulas need to stay calm and composed to help keep everyone else relaxed and focused.

Ability to handle medical situations

Labor and delivery can be messy and involve blood and other bodily fluids. They must be comfortable with these aspects of birth to provide effective support.

Marketing and self-promotion skills

Since doulas often need to find their own clients, skills in marketing and promoting their services are essential. This includes being able to present oneself effectively to potential clients.

Strong interview skills

Connecting with potential clients during interviews is vital. They often compete with others for clients, so being able to communicate your qualifications and build a rapport quickly is invaluable.

Practical and emotional support techniques

They provide both emotional comfort and physical assistance. Learning these techniques through coursework and hands-on training is part of becoming an effective doula.

Certification

While not mandatory, becoming certified can enhance their credibility and job prospects. Certification usually requires attending a certain number of births and completing specific training.

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Doula career path

Doulas gain valuable insights into family dynamics and the challenges new families face. Many choose to continue careers that focus on assisting people and strengthening family bonds. Here are some potential career paths for those looking to expand their professional horizons:

Continuing in family support

• Nanny: Doulas with a deep understanding of childcare might choose to become nannies, providing personalized care and support to children and their families.
• Teacher: Using their skills in education and support, they can transition into teaching roles, whether in early childhood education or specific parenting classes.

Advancing in the medical field

• Nurse: Those interested in a more clinical role may pursue nursing, offering a broader scope of medical care and support.
• Doctor: With further education, some may decide to become doctors, specializing in fields like obstetrics or pediatrics to continue supporting families at a different capacity.

Working in nonprofits

• Doulas with a passion for community service might work with nonprofits that focus on maternal health, helping new mothers access resources like birthing coaches and support networks.

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Similar job titles

• Home Health Aide
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Caregiver
• Nurse Practitioner
• Registered Nurse
• Medical Assistant

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Position trends and outlook for doulas

The role of doulas in childbirth is becoming increasingly recognized and valued, thanks to a growing interest in alternative and holistic healthcare options. Here’s what their future looks like:

• Growing demand: As more people learn about the benefits of doula services during childbirth, the demand for these pros continues to rise. Many medical facilities are beginning to include these services as part of their patient care offerings, recognizing the positive impact they have on childbirth experiences.
• Virtual services: The shift toward virtual support allows doulas to reach clients who might not have access to in-person services, expanding their potential client base and offering flexibility in how services are delivered.

Employment projections

The doula industry, currently valued at about $13 million, is expected to nearly double, reaching over $24 million by 2034. This growth is driven by positive outcomes associated with their services, such as lower rates of C-sections, reduced labor time, and improved overall birth experiences. The expanding market means more job opportunities for both new and experienced doulas. The flexibility in service delivery, including the option for virtual support, also opens up new avenues for employment and client engagement.

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Doula career tips

Soft skills and traits

Familiarize yourself with different types of births. Watch videos, interview people with unique experiences, and read stories to learn more about the differences. Learn about aromatherapy, meditation, and other relaxation techniques you can practice with new parents. Finding alternative ways to calm people down will come in handy so often during labor and delivery.

Give back to your community. Women’s health is constantly a space searching for volunteers and donations to support women who cannot afford care independently. By giving your time and talents, you’ll be able to meet other people within your industry, gain experience, and do something great for the people of your community.

Commonly required skills and qualifications

Perfect your follow-up communication. Sending your clients a follow-up will help you receive referrals and good reviews. Word of mouth is critical in this space, and you want the moms you’ve worked with to tell their friends and family members how great you were.

Understand the history of doulas and midwives. It’s an area of advocacy and work that will grow and shift, but it’s always good to understand how things have changed over time. Become a certified masseuse. A massage is an excellent form of patient care, especially when providing comfort during labor and postpartum. This certificate will allow you to perform additional services as a doula.

Develop a professional network

Form relationships with nurses and doctors at the local birthing clinics. Teamwork is important for the health and success of new parents and babies. Knowing the medical professionals handling many deliveries, you’ll be one step ahead once you arrive at the hospital. You can also join professional networks. Here are a few examples:

• Doulas of North America International
• Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators
• Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association
• American Pregnancy Association

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FAQs