So, you want to become a doula in Detroit?
The birth world in Michigan is growing, and the demand for compassionate, trained support persons is higher than ever. Whether you are drawn to birth work because of your own empowering experience, or you see the urgent need to support families in our community to improve maternal health outcomes, you are in the right place.
Many aspiring doulas get stuck on the question: "Where do I even start?"
It can feel overwhelming looking at different organizations, certification packets, and fees. In this guide, we break down exactly how to launch your career as a professional doula in Michigan—specifically looking at upcoming opportunities in Detroit.
Step 1: Understand the Role (What does a doula actually do?)
Before you sign up for a class, it’s important to know the scope of practice. A birth doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person and their partner.
We DO: Provide comfort measures, help with positioning, offer encouragement, and facilitate communication between the family and the medical team.
We DO NOT: Perform medical tasks (like checking blood pressure or catching the baby) or make decisions for the client.
Step 2: Choose a Medicaid-Approved Training
This is the most important step for Michigan doulas right now. Michigan is one of the leading states in offering Medicaid reimbursement for doula services. This means doulas can serve low-income families and get paid directly by the state.
However, to qualify for the MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) Doula Registry, you must train with an approved organization.
The Good News: BEST Doula Training is a State of Michigan Approved Training Program.
When you train with us, you aren't just getting a certificate to hang on your wall. You are fulfilling the educational requirement to join the Michigan Doula Registry. This opens the door for you to serve the widest possible range of clients and build a sustainable, funded career.
Step 3: Attend Training (In-Person or Virtual)
You don’t need to fly across the country to get world-class training. We are bringing our signature workshop right to the Motor City.
Upcoming Detroit Training:
Dates: July 16–19, 2026
Location: Detroit, MI (Exact venue provided upon registration)
Virtual Option: Can’t make it to the venue? You can join the exact same live room virtually from home.
Unlike programs that make you wait 6–12 months to finish, our workshop is comprehensive. You attend the training, complete your work, and you leave the weekend as a certified doula.
Step 4: Add Specialized Skills (Like Placenta Encapsulation)
If you want to turn this into a full-time career, it helps to offer more than just birth support. Many families in Metro Detroit are looking for Placenta Encapsulation services.
At our Detroit event, we offer a specialized Placenta Encapsulation Workshop on Friday evening (July 17). By taking this add-on, you can launch your business with two separate income streams immediately.
Step 5: Launch Your Business
Once you are certified, it’s time to get to work! Detroit has a vibrant birth worker community.
Get Registered: Use your BEST certification to apply for the MDHHS Doula Registry.
Network: Connect with local midwives and birth centers.
Online Presence: Get listed on Google (we teach you business skills in the training!).
Ready to get started?
You don't need a medical background or prior experience—just a passion for birth and a willingness to learn.