Let the authentic you shine through and serve families while doing what you love. Serving families as a doula is a rewarding experience that you can get started on this year. Start your doula training today!
Comprehensive Education For Birth Professionals
At the International Doula Institute, we believe quality doula education requires more than learning the basics of pregnancy and birth. Doulas support families through complex, deeply personal experiences. Their education should prepare them with a broad foundation of knowledge, practical skills, and an understanding of their role and scope of practice.
IDI’s programs are designed to provide comprehensive, evidence-based education while remaining flexible and accessible to students with different schedules, backgrounds, and learning needs.
Our curriculum combines foundational knowledge with practical application, helping students understand not only what they need to know, but how that knowledge applies when supporting real families.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Doula Training Education
Pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, infant feeding, and family support are continually evolving fields. IDI’s educational approach emphasizes current evidence, established best practices, informed decision-making, and respect for each family’s individual needs, preferences, culture, and circumstances.
Depending on the program, students may learn through a combination of:
- Interactive online lessons
- Required readings
- Educational videos
- Case studies
- Written assignments
- Role-playing and practical exercises
- Client education projects
- Written and video assessments
- Mentoring and instructor support
- Practical experiences and evaluations when required for certification
Each certification program has its own curriculum and requirements. Detailed course information and syllabi can be found on the individual program pages.
Authentic Assessment
The International Doula Institute (IDI) designed our curriculum based on the progressive model of Authentic Assessment. Programs that rely on traditional methods of examination alone promote memorization of facts rather than retained applicable skill. The program has been created by a team of curriculum developers from many different complementary fields of expertise including education, OBGYN, Pediatrics, Psychology, Social Work, RN’s and most importantly doulas in the field, to provide the highest level of education for the future of the doula, YOU.
Our program boasts multiple learning methods so that all types of learners will be successful in this training program. We focus on giving students tools which will enable you to jump into your new journey serving families. You’ll be fully prepared in all aspects of the role. Both by expanding your knowledge base and by learning the practical application of hands-on skills.
Education Informed by Diverse Areas of Expertise
No single profession encompasses everything a doula may encounter while supporting families.
That’s why IDI’s curriculum has been developed and informed by professionals with experience across multiple areas of maternal, infant, and family care.
Curriculum contributors bring knowledge and experience from areas including doula support, childbirth education, lactation, nutrition, healthcare, prenatal movement, diversity and inclusion, and other areas relevant to pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and early parenthood.
This multidisciplinary approach helps students develop a broader understanding of the families they may serve while also reinforcing an essential part of doula practice: understanding the boundaries of the doula’s role and knowing when another qualified professional is needed.
Leadership & Curriculum Contributors
The International Doula Institute’s leadership guides the organization’s educational philosophy, curriculum development, student experience, and continued growth. IDI’s programs have benefited from the knowledge and experience of professionals working across the perinatal and family-support fields.
Aliza Juliette, Founder and Director
Aliza is the Founder and Director of International Doula Institute. She began the development of this program after many years as the director of Main Line Doulas, a unique doula practice working with only the most elite doulas located just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. International Doula Institute was created out of a need to train doulas to practice at the very highest level.
Aliza was not satisfied with the status quo. Her goal is to raise the bar for the next generation of competent, caring doula care in the United States, Europe and beyond through the trainings of International Doula Institute.
She was the head of curriculum development for four online schools before founding IDI. Aliza brings her vast experience working with clients as a doula in the field and very unique experience managing a large doula team that provides thousands of hours of care monthly, along with her experience in curriculum development.
It is truly her passion to help those who want to become a doula. These three very specific sets of skills have come together to bring you the International Doula Institute.
Cierra Murphy-Higgs, MS, EdS, IBCLC – Director of Lactation Education
Cierra Murphy-Higgs, MS, EdS, IBCLC, is a perinatal mental health advocate, lactation consultant, educator, and Director of Lactation dedicated to advancing culturally responsive, evidence-based care for families and the professionals who support them. With extensive experience in clinical practice, professional education, and program leadership, she develops innovative training and mentorship opportunities that equip birth workers and healthcare providers with practical, compassionate approaches to lactation and perinatal support.
Cierra has trained pediatric, obstetric, and perinatal professionals nationwide on best practices in lactation and infant feeding, with a strong emphasis on integrating perinatal mental health into clinical and community-based care. A sought-after national speaker, she educates interdisciplinary audiences on the complex intersection of mental health, infant feeding, identity, and systemic barriers. Through her leadership and advocacy, Cierra works to bridge gaps in care and strengthen collaborative models that improve outcomes for families across diverse communities.
Maria Silver Pyanov, CD, CBC, CPD, CCE
Maria Silver Pyanov, CPD, CCE, is a dedicated birth worker supporting families since 2007. As a mother to seven earthside children, including three preemies, she’s experienced a variety of birth scenarios both personally and professionally.
As a certified postpartum doula, certified childbirth educator, certified birth doula, community doula, certified midwifery assistant, and volunteer, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her curriculum development both for birth work and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
With the support of IDI, the Maternal Wellness Center, and her doula partner Camille Barnes, she developed the BIPOC Birth Work Circle and Scholarship fund. It supports both BIPOC birth workers and families in the community. The BIPOC Birth Work Circle is a two-time recipient of Philadelphia’s Community Action Network, PhillyCAN, mini grants designed to support local organizations and businesses committed to improving maternal infant health outcomes in Philadelphia.
She believes all pregnant people and their families deserve equity in medical care and birth support and is excited to bring evidenced based DEI training to IDI.
Dr. Shilpee Aggarwal, BSC, PhD
Dr Shilpee Aggarwal is a qualified nutritionist. She founded Dr Shilpee Nutrition in 2010 after 8 years of commercial experience as an in-house nutritionist in the food industry. Nutrition education is her passion and as a highly personable nutritionist she harnesses her depth of knowledge and creativity to bring nutrition to life to many audiences.
Trained in the U.K. Dr Shilpee obtained her BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool. Recognizing her passion for food and nutrition she went on to gain her MMedSci in Nutrition from the University of Sheffield. Being bitten by the nutrition bug she then achieved a PhD in Nutrition from Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh where she researched the impact of breakfast on nutritional status and cognition in children.
With 8 years of commercial experience under her belt she founded Dr Shilpee Nutrition in London, U.K. Her clients included, Coca-Cola, Graze, Little Dish, and a number of leading PR agencies.
Donna Sinnott, BBA, IBCLC, CD, CPD
Foundational Instructor for International Breastfeeding Institute and International Doula Institute
Donna Sinnott holds the titles of IBCLC, CD, CPD to her name. She is proud to share that she has amassed over 25 years of experience in counseling nursing mothers. Her 1992 journey into motherhood, marked by an incredible birth with certified nurse midwives, took an unexpected turn with breastfeeding challenges. This challenge was not something she was prepared for. It was her husband, Paul, who stepped in after days of struggle, suggesting a visit to a Lactation Consultant. That enlightening and empowering visit not only changed her course, it enabled her to successfully breastfeed her two children.
Embarking on her professional path with a six months old, Donna began as a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. She also took on roles as a birth and postpartum doula. Her dedication and love for helping mothers propelled her to the pinnacle of lactation certification, becoming an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Randi Coen Gilbert, MA, E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP, CD
Randi Coen Gilbert, MA, E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP, CD, founder of Yoga Mamas. She began teaching yoga in 2000 after having her second baby. She credits a full yoga practice, including mindfulness, to saving her as a new mom. Certified at the 500 hour level in 2003 she began to specialize in pre & postnatal yoga. In 2012 she became a birth doula and trained in Yoga Therapy for 2 years. Randi has a Master’s Degree in Drama Therapy from NYU. She has volunteered as a Child Advocate for over 20 years through CASA. An empty nester in 2019, Randi fulfilled a lifelong dream and studied yoga and visited spiritual sights in India for 6 weeks.
Randi’s work on the pain management team as a therapist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, gave Randi deep awareness of the hospital environment with expertise in dealing with discomfort. Her Masters Degree from NYU in Drama Therapy built her foundation in creatively addressing mental health and relationship needs.
Randi feels it is important to honor and give credit to her teaching lineage from Shri Yogendra in Classical Hatha Yoga through YogaLife Institute. She had the honor of studying with Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra along with other Indian teachers and students at The Yoga Institute in Mumbai, India in 2019.
Meghan Massaro, Registered Dietitian RD LDN
Meghan Massaro, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences from West Chester University. She completed a dietetic internship at Immaculata University. Meghan has been a Clinical Dietitian at The Chester County Hospital since 2011, working as a part of the interdisciplinary team to provide care for patients ranging from premature infants to the elderly. She is a mom of four boys, all of whom were born at The Birth Center at Bryn Mawr. In her spare time, Meghan loves to stay fit and exercise with her children.
Marsha Sims, Author and Professional Organizer
Marsha Sims, owner of Sort-It-Out, Inc., runs a program that helps people get organized. It’s affordable and can be done in just 15 minutes a day. She is the coauthor of four organizing books: “Organizing Your Day,” “Smart Office Organizing,” “5 Days to a Clutter-Free House,” and “10 Time Management Choices That Can Change Your Life.” You can reach her at: www.sortitout.net, marshasims1@gmail.com, and 305-467-8564.
Additional education, support, and overall contribution to the training came through conversations and submissions by:
Refuge Midwifery (based in Philadelphia); https://www.refugemidwifery.com
Amy Millar of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission for People With Disabilities;
Lauren Alden
Latoya Maddox
Dominique Howell of Liberty Resources
Doula Camille Barnes
Social Worker Ashley Jones, BA
and additional professionals and community members.
Additional Instructors and Staff
In addition to our leadership and curriculum contributors, IDI has several staff members committed to supporting students. While all are not listed here, we want to make a special mention of a few you are likely to interact with.
Jennifer Fuller is our enrollment coordinator and office staff extraordinaire! Wendy Mandel is our current birth and postpartum doula instructor, an experienced doula and instructor. Arlinda Green is our prenatal yoga instructor, an experienced doula and yogi.
Education That Continues to Grow
Doula education should not remain static.
Research evolves. Recommendations change. Families’ needs change. The environments in which doulas work change as well.
At IDI, we continually review and develop our educational programs. Students receive relevant information and practical preparation for supporting today’s families.
Our goal isn’t simply to help students complete coursework. It is to provide an educational foundation they can continue building upon throughout their work supporting families.
Explore IDI Certification Programs
IDI offers multiple educational pathways. For those who want to learn more, and provide more services to growing families, multiple certifications are ideal.
Students can explore:
Birth Doula Certification
Comprehensive preparation for providing continuous informational, emotional, and physical support throughout pregnancy and birth.
Postpartum Doula Certification
Education focused on supporting families through postpartum recovery, newborn adjustment, feeding, and the transition into life with a new baby.
Certified Childbirth Educator
Preparation for educating families about pregnancy, labor, birth, and informed decision-making.
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
Foundational lactation and counseling education for supporting breastfeeding families within an appropriate scope of practice.
Advanced Lactation 201
Fifty hours of advanced lactation education and counseling skills for students seeking to deepen their lactation knowledge.
Certified Perinatal Nutrition Educator
Education in nutrition throughout pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and family life.
Certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Education focused on safely supporting movement and yoga throughout pregnancy.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Birth Workers
Education designed to strengthen understanding of disparities, bias, inclusive support, and the diverse experiences of the families birth professionals serve.
Learn From One Trusted Institution
Whether you’re beginning with doula certification or expanding your education into childbirth education, lactation, nutrition, prenatal yoga, or other areas of perinatal support, IDI makes it possible to continue learning through one institution.