In our rapidly evolving maternal health culture, the demand for qualified doulas is higher than ever. As more families seek true holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based care, doulas have stepped in to fill the gap in care. Certification with the International Doula Institute helps you stand out as a true birth support expert.
If you’re considering becoming a doula, choosing the right training program is essential. The International Doula Institute (IDI) stands out as a global leader in doula training and certification. Created by experienced and successful doulas alongside physicians, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants, registered dietitians and more, IDI stands out as truly comprehensive training.
Credibility That Opens Doors
One of the most important reasons to become a certified doula through IDI is the credibility and recognition it brings. Certification through a respected and comprehensive training program shows families, hospitals, and birth centers, that you are serious about your role.
IDI’s curriculum is rooted in evidence-based care, compassionate support, and ethical practice. These values not only build trust with the families you serve but also prepare you to work alongside medical professionals with confidence.
When families and professionals ask about your training, IDI is known for consistent training for all certified doulas. Unlike some trainings which can vary depending on the instructor, all doulas trained with IDI have comprehensive training.
The International Doula Institute Curriculum Reflects Today’s Realities
IDI continually updates its programs to reflect the latest research and recommendations in perinatal care. From birth and postpartum support to lactation education and mental health awareness, IDI’s courses go far beyond the basics. We know that there are disparities in birth. We know that birth culture varies country to country and even region to region.
Certification with the International Doula Institute means recognizing signs of postpartum depression, understanding cultural competency, and how support diverse families. This ensures you’re equipped to serve families in ways that truly reflect the scope and complexity of modern doula work.
Doula work is not only continuous labor support. Doula work provides evidence-based information to families. This work is knowing the latest trends in birth and how to support families in making informed decisions.
Flexible, Accessible, and Designed for Real Life
Many aspiring doulas are parents, caregivers, or working professionals. At IDI, we use an online learning model built with flexibility in mind. You can complete your training at your own pace while still receiving comprehensive instruction, mentorship, and access to a wide array of resources.
Whether you’re balancing school, work, or family, IDI supports you in integrating your learning into real life. As mentioned, we were created by experienced doulas. We know what it is like to be a busy, working adult or parent wanting to pursue your dreams. We strive to make training accessible for everyone.
Built-in Community and Ongoing Support
Doula work can feel isolating, but with IDI, you’re never alone. From the moment you enroll, you become part of our supportive community of doulas. Our doula community is committed to professional excellence and compassionate care.
IDI certified doulas have access to continuing education, mentorship, and a growing network of birth experts that make a real difference in long-term success.
Our student doula group is a space where current and former students can connect, ask questions, and support each other. Your IDI instructors are available to you long after you are certified. We’re here to support you throughout your doula journey.
Certification With The International Doula Institute Expands Your Scope
At IDI, we don’t just certify birth doulas. You can expand your scope with certifications in:
- Postpartum doula work
- Breastfeeding counseling
- Childbirth education
- Prenatal yoga
- Perinatal Nutrition
- DEI For Birth Workers
Our layered training courses gives you more opportunities to serve clients. It also increases your potential success in your doula journey.
Start Your Doula Journey with Confidence
Choosing to become a doula is a calling. And when you train with the International Doula Institute, you’re not just learning how to support births; you’re becoming part of a movement that’s reshaping perinatal care with dignity, compassion, and professionalism.
Whether you’re drawn to birth work because of your own experiences or a desire to support others, IDI equips you to make a difference from day one—and gives you the tools to keep growing for years to come.
Ready to get started? Register today!
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...