One of the most frequent questions we get asked is "How can I become a doula too?"  We hope this page will help you find your path to becoming a doula.

The combination of trainings and practical experience is what makes a doula, and we do not believe there is any training that can substitute for the hands-on learning you get through attending births. 

We have all trained and certified with DONA (Doulas of North America) and we have been extremely happy with the quality of the training and organization.  However, we have taken many local and international trainings as well, and have always learned something valuable. 

Having a training under your belt makes it more likely you will be able to attend births, helps you connect with other doulas in your community, and gives you a foundation of knowledge upon which you can build your practical experience.  Go ahead and take the leap!

Three organizations that train doulas internationally are DONA, CAPPA, and ALACE.  In Winnipeg, you can  contact MACFE, in Calgary, you can contact Elmont Professional Birth Services, and in British Columbia you can contact Jalana Grant for info about local trainings.  You may have to travel to take a workshop, especially if you don't live in a large city. 

NEW!  Birth Roots is offering a special prenatal class just for aspiring doulas working towards their certification.  Designed to meet the DONA requirements for certification

Dates: June 3-24,2008-- Tuesday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm
Cost: $100 plus GST= $105.   
Instructor: Tami Tozeland CD(DONA) CCCE
Registration: Please email us your name and phone number, and mail us your cheque for $105.  We will hold your spot for 7 days until we receive your payment.

In the meantime, read as much as you can.  Start with The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin, Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Kennel and Klaus, and any other birth, pregnancy or midwifery-related books or videos you can find. 

Get in touch with the birthing community in your area and attend any presentations, conferences, or meetings you can.  If there aren't any, organize one.  You could also invite a doula in your community out for lunch, or offer your help in sorting through her files or cleaning her office.  Offers like these are much more likely to get a response from the doulas in your community, as doulas get "How can I become a doula" calls very often (we got four in the last week). 

For more information, also check out our FAQs About Becoming A Doula.

Most importantly, stay positive.  This isn't always a quick process, but there's lots of learning to be done in the waiting.

Warmly,

Birth Roots Doula Collective Inc.

PS  We are currently seeking Experienced Birth Doulas and Postpartum Doulas.  Check our Job Postings page for more information.