doula tuition doula certification required reading list

Doula Certification Required Readings

Birth Doula Certification Required Readings List

Labor Day: True Birth Stories by Today’s Best Women Writers by Anna Solomon and Eleanor Henderson
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
Pushed by Jennifer Block – Kindle sample sufficient but eventually reading in its entirety recommended
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin – printed in 2008 or beyond
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

Very highly recommended doula reading list though not required:

The Labor Progress Handbook by Penny Simkin
Comfort Measures for Childbirth DVD by Penny Simkin
When Survivors Give Birth – by Penny Simkin and Phyllis H. Kraus This book is highly recommended but difficult to read. Statistically, some of your clients will be survivors of abuse and assault. If you are able to read through this, you may be better equipped to support them.
Baby Making for Everybody: Family Building and Fertility for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents by Marea Goodman LM CPM and Ray Rachlin LM CPM

Postpartum Doula Certification Required Readings List:

Mothering the New Mother by Sally Placksin
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin
The Baby Book by William Sears
What to Expect when you are Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads by Barbara Luke
Becoming Us, 8 Steps to Grow a Family that Thrives by Elly Taylor
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry
The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby’s Behavior by Xaviera Plooij, Frans X. Plooij PhD, Hetty van de Rijt PhD – Read the Book or download the app and explore
Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple The Pocket Guide for Helping Mothers by Nancy Mohrbacher. This last book has a brand-new paperback edition for $43.95 from the author’s site. http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/store/k742tlkodtmvv…

Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and Advanced Lactation

There is only one required book for CBC and Advanced Lactation

Counseling the Nursing Mother, A Lactation Consultant’s Guide, by Judith Lauwers, BA, IBCLC, FILCA; Anna Swisher, MBA, IBCLC, 6th edition or 7th edition

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.”