International Doula Institute

Contact Us Today! (484) 278-1648

Secure Your Spot — Apply Now!
  • Home
  • Admissions
    • Doula Scholarship
    • Who We Serve
    • Tuition Costs
    • Register Now
    • Financial Assistance
    • Application Process: 2 Easy Enrollment Steps
    • Login To My Courses
  • What Is a Doula?
    • What is a Birth Doula?
    • What is a Postpartum Doula?
    • Scope of Practice
    • Would You Be a Good Doula?
  • About our Programs
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Birth Workers
    • Birth Doula Certification Program
    • Postpartum Doula Certification Program
    • Prenatal Yoga Instructor Certification Program
    • Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Program
    • Certified Childbirth Educator Program
    • Certified Perinatal Nutrition Educator
    • Curriculum Contributors
    • Countries We Serve
      • USA
      • Doula Training in Canada
      • India
      • China
      • England
      • Italy
  • What You Get
    • How To Get Certified As a Doula
    • Doula Certification Required Readings
    • School Tour
  • FAQs
  • Blog
You are here: Home / Doula Training / What Does Doula Training Consist Of?

What Does Doula Training Consist Of?

July 27, 2017

blog image

For many new doulas, the idea of supporting other women before, during, and after childbirth is the dream job they didn’t know existed. Most women wanting to become a doula seek out reputable doula training on how to become the best doula they can be, through an ideological commitment to helping other mothers have a wonderful birthing experience that is shaped by their own birthing experiences (either wonderful or terrible).

While there is not a licensing agency for doulas, and no formal requirements to meet before calling oneself a doula, many choose to seek out a certificate program by organization, such as the International Doula Institute, that oversee training programs. These programs prepare new doulas to be the best emotional support available for new mothers.

Through doula training, an individual learns that their non-medical role is what makes them different from other maternity care providers. A doula’s main focus is on the expectant mother’s emotional and physical comfort during labor and delivery. A doula can commit all of their attention continuously to one woman, in contrast to the several different demands placed on a nurse, midwife or physician. Doulas’ continuous presence throughout labor and delivery can help the laboring mother to relax and be comfortable knowing that their doula is going to be by their side through the entire process.

Throughout most doula training programs, doulas learn about typical pain medications that are used in labor, along with other useful information that they review with the expectant mother to help them make an informed decision regarding their labor and delivery. A basic understanding of anatomy and physiology of childbirth is encouraged to help the doula understand how to help labor progress in situations where the baby is not in an optimal position, and to familiarize themselves with situations where medical intervention is required.

Ultimately, through the support and discussion with her doula, an expectant mother has all of the information that she needs to make the best-informed decision for herself and her child. Doulas are trained to fully support mothers in all decisions that they make, while not advocating their own beliefs.

Throughout their training of how to be a doula, trainees learn that a powerful and positive way to interact with the expectant mother through childbirth is to highlight the normalcy of labor, making labor appear to be an exciting and positive experience, instead of a scary and negative experience. While having a doula during labor and delivery has many positive advantages over not having a doula, becoming a doula requires a compassionate woman who is committed to helping other women have a positive birthing experience.

To get started on your doula training, and embark on your rewarding career, check out the training offered from International Doula Institute. With our training, you’ll be prepared to provide attentive and compassionate assistance for your clients during childbirth.

Aliza Juliette Bancoff
Author: Aliza Juliette Bancoff

Aliza Juliette Bancoff is a well-known doula and doula trainer who has been providing doula services to families for over a decade. She is the founder of Main Line Doulas, a doula group providing doula support in the great Philadelphia area for the last decade, the International Doula Institute, which provides online doula training and lactation training and certification programs and  the International Breastfeeding Institute which provides lactation training and certification.   She is the co-founder of United Birth, a company devoted to increasing access to doulas across the country to make the perinatal time safer both physically and emotionally. “Every birthing person deserves access to quality doula support. And we are working to make that a reality across the country. The work we are doing to get doulas to every birthing person will decrease the black infant and maternal mortality rate significantly by 2030.” Says Bancoff. Aliza is known for her compassionate and empowering approach to doula work, and she has been featured in numerous media outlets, including United Nations Maternal Health Report,  Parent Magazine, CafeMom, theBump and many more. Aliza's journey into doula work began when she gave birth to her first child and felt a strong calling...

Search

Contact Us Today!
(484) 278-1648

Important Links

  • Secure Your Spot: Enroll Now!
  • Register Now
  • Online Learning Portal Login
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Doula

Testimonials

Tracy tells us,
“This course was informative and educational. I enjoyed learning how to become a doula.”

Patricia shared, 
“This course was great. I loved how easy it is to use, as someone who is not very technologically inclined. The coursework was challenging and I learned so much. My instructor was always very easy to reach and very responsive to any issues I had. I loved being able to work at my own pace and skip around a bit. Videos are hard for me as I am very self-conscious so it was nice to be able to postpone them for a bit until I could really practice and feel my best. ”

Judith shared, 
“The instructors and course materials/videos were all so wonderful and informative. I truly feel very well equipped with all the knowledge and tools I now have to start as a full spectrum doula with multiple certifications under my belt. Thank you, IDI, from the bottom of my heart. My true passion is blossoming before my very eyes!”

Miranda tells us, 
“I started my training at IDI almost a year ago. The courses have given me exactly what I needed to become a confident doula! After looking at several different doula training programs I decided on IDI because I have two young children and could work at my own pace online. I also really liked that the curriculum was contributed to by different backgrounds and trainings, not only from one perspective. This program has offered more to me than I ever could have thought! Not only have I learned how to support Moms and families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum but I’ve been given tools in growing my reach and communication… just to name a few. There’s also huge support from other doulas in the program. I recommend this program to future doulas!”

Mary says, 
“Started my journey (with admitted fear) only a month ago and felt immediately at ease! This program is very fluid. Work at your own pace. Easy to reach help and support the whole way through. Everything you need to know to hit the ground running with confidence once certified.”

Brenda tells us, 
“My name is Brenda and I have been studying with IDI for a while now, looking forward to the Postpartum course also. I have found the studies, books, and information to feel well rounded in information and comprehensive. I love all the books they have chosen for my studies. Also, the opportunity to be hands-on with the additional class, interviews, videos, and Moms-to-be. This is a part of the program that brings all the reading, studying…everything to light! The teachers are kind, understanding and obviously VERY experienced and can guide and support me throughout this wonderful journey of certification to be a “Doula” I’m so happy I chose IDI to be my training! Thank you!!!! I look forward to the future!♡”

Joyce says, 
“I love being a student with IDI!”

Laura tells us,
” Easy to do at my own pace, good supplemental readings. ”

Hannah tells us,
” Hey this is Hannah! I’m SOO excited to have finished my courses & have become a CERTIFIED DOULA! I almost can’t believe I have that title, with my name!!! This has been a lifelong dream. I’m very grateful to have been able to do it online, as I am a stay-at-home mom to 7 amazing children. It was very convenient for me to work on, as I had quiet time, during my little’s naps. Having been through labor, birth & breastfeeding stages of my life, helped tremendously. However, it was a very practical course & easy to understand the instructions. I highly recommend IDI to anyone who is interested in becoming a doula!! Thank you, IDI!!! ”

Tatyana says,
“I enjoyed everything about this course. Very informative and detailed.”

© 2025 · International Doula Institute | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy |