Doula Certification Required Readings

Birth Doula reading list:

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
The Thinking Womans Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
Pushed by Jennifer Block
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry

Very Highly Suggested though not required:

The Labor Progress Handbook by Penny Simkin
Comfort Measures for Childbirth DVD by Penny Simkin

Postpartum Doula Reading 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 Happiest Baby on the Block video and/or book by Dr. Harvey Karp

Tracy tells us,
“This course was informative and educational. I enjoyed learning how to become a doula, and look forward to staring the work. 🙂 ”

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 my career as a full spectrum doula with multiple certifications under my belt. Thank you IDI, from the bottom of my heart. My true passion for my career 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 business 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 schooling! 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.”