Are you passionate about pregnancy, birth, and supporting families? Becoming a Doula might be the perfect path for you.
Doulas play a critical role in the birthing experience by offering physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant parents. If you’ve ever felt called to birth work but weren’t sure where to start, this guide will walk you through the process of becoming a Doula—and explain why thousands of women have chosen to certify through Madriella.
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to people during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Unlike midwives or doctors, Doulas don’t deliver babies or offer medical care. Instead, they focus on helping mothers feel empowered, informed, and supported through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.
There are several types of Doulas, including:
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Birth Doulas – Support the mother during pregnancy and labor.
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Postpartum Doulas – Assist the family in the days or weeks after birth.
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Bereavement Doulas – Help families cope with pregnancy or infant loss.
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Fertility Doulas – Support people struggling with infertility or undergoing assisted reproductive treatments.
How to Become a Doula
You don’t need a medical degree to become a Doula, but you do need proper training. The first step is enrolling in a reputable certification program that teaches the skills, ethics, and techniques needed to provide professional Doula support.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
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Choose a Training Program – Select a program that aligns with your goals and values.
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Complete Coursework – Study subjects like prenatal care, the stages of labor, communication skills, and postpartum support.
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Pass Exams & Submit Assignments – Most certification programs include written exams and practical assignments.
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Earn Your Certification – Once you meet all the requirements, you’ll be certified and ready to start working with clients!
Many people complete their training in just a few months, depending on the pace of the program.
How Much Do Doulas Make?
Doula incomes vary based on location, experience, and the number of clients they serve—but the work can be both financially and emotionally rewarding.
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Birth Doula Services typically range from $800 to $2,500 per birth.
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Postpartum Doulas can earn $25 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and region.
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Some Doulas offer packages, workshops, or classes that increase their income.
With a steady stream of clients and growing demand—especially with the increased recognition of Doula care by Medicaid in some states—many Doulas can build a fulfilling, sustainable career.
Why Choose Madriella?
Madriella is one of the most affordable, flexible, and comprehensive Doula training programs available.
Here’s why thousands of students choose Madriella:
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✅ Low-Cost Certification – Our Professional Membership gives you access to all of our certification courses for one flat fee. No hidden costs or expensive retreats.
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✅ Fully Online and Self-Paced – Learn at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. Perfect for busy parents, students, and working professionals.
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✅ Comprehensive Curriculum – Our courses are designed to fully prepare you to support clients from pregnancy through postpartum.
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✅ Supportive Community – Connect with a vibrant network of experienced Doulas, and peers who are here to cheer you on.
Whether you want to support families in your community, add Doula services to an existing practice, or explore a new career path, Madriella makes the journey simple and affordable.
Ready to Begin?
Becoming a Doula is more than a job—it’s a calling. If you’re ready to start your journey, we’d be honored to walk beside you.
Explore our programs today at Madriella.org and join a community of compassionate birth professionals changing lives, one family at a time.