Become a Doula with The Village Doula Collective
Becoming a doula with The Village Doula Collective means starting your own journey as a birth worker, offering compassionate care within your own community, and advocating for equitable, culturally competent support for all families.
We believe that every birthing person deserves unbiased, informed, and supportive care. That’s why we offer comprehensive training for those passionate about reproductive justice, birth work, and postpartum care. Whether you’re just beginning your doula journey or already have experience, the certification program is designed to provide the education, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to thrive in this field
Are you a doula looking to grow your practice without the burden of marketing, administrative work, or high overhead costs? Maybe you’ve been supporting births but are overwhelmed with the certification process. Do you want to accept insurance but don’t know where to start? The Village Doula Collective provides the support you need to focus on what matters most—caring for your clients.
As a member of our collective, you’ll receive:
Less overhead costs – Get listed on an established website without the time and expense of running your own.
Eliminate marketing costs and time – We handle advertising and outreach, so you can spend less time searching for clients and more time supporting them.
Professional online presence – Your services will be featured on our website, making it easier for potential clients to find and book you.
HIPAA-compliant client communication and billing software – Securely message clients, manage contracts, and send invoices—all in one place.
Administrative support – We handle contracts, intake forms, scheduling, and (if applicable) insurance billing.
Stronger brand recognition – Work under a trusted and recognized collective with established roots in the community, adding credibility to your practice.
A built-in referral network – Connect with other doulas and birth professionals for collaboration and backup support.
Access to professional development – Gain mentorship, continuing education, and business growth resources.
A supportive community – Be part of a collective that values teamwork, professional growth, and accessible care for families.
Grow Your Business Without Doing It Alone
Join a network of passionate doulas who are making a difference while benefiting from the resources and support of an established collective.
Ready to take the next step? Scroll down to learn about how you can join!
How to Become a Doula with The Village Doula Collective
Certification & Training Pathway
For New/Uncertified Doulas Just Getting Started In Birthwork
Course enrollment begins August, 2025
Create an account to be notified of early enrollment opportunities.
Step 1: Enroll in Our Online Doula Certification Program
Our online, self-paced training follows national standards while providing a culturally competent framework for supporting birthing people. Unlike traditional in-person workshops, our program allows you to work through materials at your own pace, making it accessible for those with busy schedules or other commitments.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to see a course overview.
Step 2: Gain Hands-On Experience Through Mentorship
We offer three mentorship opportunities per year for students who have completed the core training and need birth attendance experience. These mentorships allow students to shadow experienced doulas (including founder Sydney Law) and gain valuable insight into client interactions, advocacy, and hands-on support.
Step 3: Meet Medi-Cal Acceptance Requirements
Doulas in the collective must be able to accept Medi-Cal insurance to support our mission of providing accessible care within our community. The requirements for credentialing are outlined in the course, with an additional short training available to guide doulas through the process. Students will also have access to mentorship and support from experienced doulas in the collective as they navigate the application process.
Step 4: Officially Joining The Collective
Doulas who complete the course will receive additional training upon officially joining the collective. All doulas in the collective are 1099 independent contractors and must review and sign a contract before providing services under The Village Doula Collective, LLC.
Course enrollment begins August 2025
Create an account to be notified of early enrollment opportunities.
Certified Doula Pathway
For Experienced & Established Doulas
If you are a certified doula you can apply to join The Village Doula Collective as an independent contractor. Priority is given to doulas who meet Medi-Cal provider requirements.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Complete the online application form
Provide proof of doula certification from a recognized organization
Submit documentation verifying you meet Medi-Cal acceptance requirements if applicable (or indicate if you need guidance.)
Step 2: Interview & Screening
If your application meets the criteria, we’ll schedule a virtual interview
We will discuss your experience, values, and approach to doula work
You’ll learn how the collective operates and what to expect as a subcontractor
Step 3: Contract & Onboarding
Review and sign the 1099 independent contractor agreement
Gain access to collective resources, including mentorship and ongoing training
Step 4: Begin Taking Clients
Get listed as an official doula within the collective
Receive client referrals based on availability and fit
Access support, continuing education, and business development resources
Ready to Apply?
Fill out the “Certified Doula Application” below
Certified Doula Application
Doula Certification Course
Course Overview: Is This Doula Certification Right for You?
Are you passionate about supporting birthing people and their families? The Village Doula Collective Certification Course is designed for individuals committed to providing inclusive, evidence-based, and compassionate care. This course offers a comprehensive, culturally competent, and real-world approach to doula work, ensuring you are well-prepared to serve diverse communities.
What You’ll Learn:
The role of a doula and how to support clients through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Hands-on comfort measures and pain management techniques.
Advocacy, professionalism, and effective communication in birth spaces.
Supporting diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ families, people with disabilities, and trauma survivors.
Navigating implicit bias, medical racism, and birth inequality.
C-section and VBAC support, including recovery and advocacy.
Ethical considerations and business fundamentals for doulas.
Course Structure:
Self-paced learning with real-time grading (feedback within 48 business hours).
Engaging video lessons, assignments, and hands-on activities.
Community-based exercises to help you gain real-world experience.
Certification upon completion, with next steps for attending births and finalizing your training.
Who Should Enroll?
Aspiring doulas looking for an in-depth, accessible, and inclusive training.
Birth workers wanting to deepen their knowledge and advocacy skills.
Anyone committed to equitable and community-focused birth support.
Start your journey today and become a certified doula ready to make a real impact.
Enrollment in this purchase grants you access to the Doula Certification Course. Certification is awarded upon course completion and attestation that you have supported at least 3 births (with at least one birth occurring after completing the course).