This training meets Medi-Cal credentialing requirements

Welcome to The Village Doula Collective’s Certification Training!

Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a doula! Whether you’re here to start a new career, deepen your knowledge, or expand your skills in birth work, I’m so excited to have you as part of this journey.

Training Pathways

The Village Doula Collective offers two flexible training pathways designed to meet people where they are. Our online doula training program has rolling enrollment and allows students to begin at any time and move through the coursework at their own pace, making it a great option for those balancing work, family, distance, or other commitments. For those who want in-person learning and community, we also offer a hybrid training model for local trainees that combines the online coursework with hands-on workshops. The hybrid program runs as one cohort each year and includes four in-person workshops held weekly, mid-April to early-May. Many students choose to start with the online training and join workshops later, as the same in-person workshops are offered every year. Depending on demand, additional in-person workshops may be added. Both pathways are intentionally designed to be flexible and accessible, with options for sliding scale pricing and multiple ways to engage over time.

This course was created with a deep commitment to accessibility, cultural competence, and community-centered care. As doulas, we hold space for families during some of the most transformative moments of their lives. That is a privilege—and a responsibility. My goal is to ensure that you leave this course feeling confident, informed, and ready to provide exceptional support to all birthing people, regardless of their background, birth choices, or circumstances.

Course Structure

• Modules: The course is divided into easy-to-follow modules, each focusing on different aspects of doula work, such as childbirth, postpartum care, lactation support, and more.

• Self-Paced Learning: Students have the flexibility to progress through the materials at their own pace, allowing for a personalized learning experience.

• Bi-Weekly Live Q&A Sessions: Trainees can join a Q&A session every other week to ask questions or receive feedback.

• Practical Assignments: The course includes assignments that help students gain hands-on experience and prepare them for real-world client interactions.

• Ongoing Support: Students can reach out to other doulas in the collective for guidance and support throughout their training process.

In-Person Workshops & Mentorship (for trainees local to Chico, CA, or surrounding areas only): Hands-on learning and skill-building workshops.

If you are unavailable for a workshop you have purchased, they will be recorded and shared.

Student Time Commitment Overview

This certification course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in birth and postpartum doula work while recognizing the busy lives of students and families. Below is an outline of the estimated time commitment so you can plan accordingly.

🎥 Lecture Time

• Total Recorded Lectures: ~5.5 hours

• Most students complete this within 1–2 weeks if watching 30–60 minutes per day.

Readings & Supplemental Videos

• Estimated Time: 6–10 hours

• Includes textbook chapters, articles, and videos provided with each module.

Assignments & Quizzes

• Estimated Time: 12–16 hours

• Short reflections and essays (30–45 minutes each)

• Knowledge-check quizzes (15–20 minutes each)

• Applied assignments such as resource lists, visit outlines, and business planning (1–2 hours each)

Skills Workshops

• 8 hours of hands-on learning

Total Coursework (Before Practicum)

• ~25–33 hours

• Equivalent to a 4-5 day intensive, or 6–8 weeks of part-time study (depending on pace).

Practicum Requirements (After Coursework)
To complete certification, you must also:

• Attend and support 3 births (home, birth center, or hospital)

• Submit proof of continuing lactation education participation (either local La Leche League or local Breastfeeding Organization meeting attendance OR free Medela University webinar)

• Submit birth reflections

• Submit client evaluations

• Complete a final self-evaluation

Practicum timing varies depending on when you find clients or shadowing opportunities.

Recertification Policy

Certified doulas through The Village Doula Collective are required to renew their certification every three years. Recertification ensures that doulas maintain current knowledge, uphold professional standards, and continue providing high quality support to birthing families.

Renewal Requirements

To maintain an active certification, doulas must complete the following within each three year cycle:

Continuing Education
3 hours of birth or postpartum-related continuing education. This may include workshops, webinars, professional trainings, peer review meetings, or approved independent study.

Proof of Ongoing Practice
Evidence of continued doula work. Doulas may submit either documentation of attendance at three births or a brief portfolio showing postpartum or community-based doula support.

Ethics and Scope Review
A short online review of The Village Doula Collective’s ethics and scope of practice, completed during the renewal process.

Renewal Application and Fee
Submission of the recertification application along with a $35.00 renewal fee.

Lapsed Certification

If recertification is not completed before the expiration date, certification becomes inactive. Inactive doulas may not present themselves as certified through The Village Doula Collective. Certification may be reinstated within twelve months by completing all renewal requirements and paying a $25 reinstatement fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. After twelve months, the doula must repeat the certification course to regain status.

Commitment to Accessibility

The Village Doula Collective is committed to supporting doulas in the renewal process. Extensions or accommodations may be offered on a case-by-case basis. Requests must be submitted prior to the expiration date.