We think being a doula is the best job and we think doulas change the world. Who wouldn't want to have career that is both awesome and world changing?!
If you are shopping around for a doula training, we encourage you to ask lots of questions so you can be an informed decision maker. Since we get asked about choosing doula training almost every day, we have chosen a few of the questions we get asked the most…and have answered them. We recommend asking these questions to every organization that your are considering.
Do you offer in-person or online doula training?
BEST offers both! The workshop can be taken in person at our training location or you may join us virtually from anywhere. The online study guide is completed before attending the workshop (read about the requirements). Doula mentorship starts during this time leading up to the workshop. At the workshop, doulas receive around 30 hours of in person training. It is interactive and fun! After the workshop our doulas leave certified. We do not require certification births. Here is more info specifically on our online doula training.
Do you cover anything beyond basic doula skills?
BEST Doula provides a lot more! Each trainee receives lactation support training with an IBCLC, advanced doula skills taught by highly experienced doulas, and also marketing skills by proven experts in the field of promoting birth businesses. Every BEST trainee is provided with a childbirth class and infant feeding course to view as part of the online portion of the training.
Do I have to sign a Non-Compete to certify with your organization?
No. We believe non-competes are inappropriate (and potentially not legal) as a part of doula training.
Does your certification include lactation training?
Yes, it does. A fair amount of it too! Everyone who registered receives a copy of Prepared Feeding as part of their study materials. Doula training is also led by Amanda Devereux, an IBCLC.
Does doula training include advanced business training?
Yes. We prepare our doulas to be successful business owners. We include intake forms, client contracts, stock photography and other business tools to all BEST Doulas. We also teach interview, basic SEO, branding and marketing skills. New doulas can walk out of the workshop ready to sign a client immediately.
What is the total cost to be certified? Are there other fees besides training?
The current fee is $649 which includes the childbirth class, study materials, in person workshop, on going mentorship and a year of membership with BEST. It is all inclusive- there are NO addition charges (ie no packet or membership fees). We also offer early bird discounts and scholarships for underserved populations.
Can I get in touch with a person in your organization? Will someone respond quickly?
Please contact us! We will reply quickly to email or phone calls. Our email is hello@bestdoulatraining.com and you may call (214) 223-0226 during normal business hours.
How does your organization see itself advocating for the doula profession as whole?
BEST is an acronym for the four 4 things we believe define a great doula - Business skills, strong Ethics, Sustainability and actively working Together with other professionals and in their communities at large. Doulas are professionals and they provide valuable services to expecting families. We believe that doula training should allow each doula to build a sustainable practice based on the doula's goals. It is our job as a certifying body to come along side doulas and help them meet these goals. When doulas build sustainable practices that last the course of a long career, doulas wins, expecting families win and maternity care wins. This is why we believe that doulas change the world!
Where will my training be and who will do the training?
BEST trains everywhere! We offer workshops once a month in a different city each month (and you can always join our workshops virtually). Maria Pokluda (founder of Great Expectations in Dallas, TX) and Amanda Devereux (founder of Nola Nesting in New Orleans, LA) lead all the workshops. With over 20 years experience running successful doula practices, Maria and Amanda insure that each BEST Doula receives the same info and expertise. If you are interested in bringing a BEST Doula Training to your town, let's do it.
Will I need to attend certification births?
No. Best Doula does not require doulas to attend certification births. Our doulas leave training certified. You will leave training a doula and can read more about our thoughts on certification births here.
Considering becoming a doula? BEST owns a Facebook group for new and experienced doulas to chat about doula-ing. We would love to have you join so we can continue the conversation! Love What You DOULA