✍️ How to Choose the Best Doula Certification for a Real Career: BEST vs. The Old Guard
Stop Guessing: A Modern Doula Training Comparison Guide (BEST vs. The Legacy Systems)
The Biggest Mistake Aspiring Doulas Make
When you search for doula certification, you are instantly shown programs that have been around for decades—names like DONA and CAPPA. These organizations were pioneers, and they deserve respect for building the industry.
However, the world of birth work has fundamentally changed. Today, becoming a successful doula requires more than just attending a weekend workshop; it requires business skills, modern curriculum, and a focus on financial sustainability.
If your goal is to build a thriving, profitable career—not just collect a certificate—you need a program designed for the modern era. Here is how BEST Doula Training stacks up against the older, legacy models.
The Critical Factor: Building a Business vs. Getting a Badge
The core difference between BEST and older, non-profit models (DONA, CAPPA) is the philosophy of the training.
BEST Doula Training focuses on systems for marketing, networking with other professionals in your community, client acquisition, and high-value service packaging. DONA/CAPPA (ie legacy models) often focus on community service and volunteerism. Their doula course focuses almost exclusively on clinical support rather than creating a career. Even their mission statement is focused entirely on the person giving birth with no mention of supporting the doula.
BEST Doula Training believes you can serve your community and serve your own needs. Our systems are backed real-world proof of success which is evidenced by over 1200 five-star Google reviews. Legacy models have a reputation built purely on longevity and historic presence.
The Business Advantage: Why Modern Doulas Need More Than a Weekend Class
Many doulas leave traditional training feeling prepared to support a birth but completely lost on how to get paid for it. BEST closes this gap.
1. The Integrated Business Module
We don't just tell you to start a business; we give you the framework. Our curriculum includes dedicated modules on:
Pricing for Profit (Not just survival)
Business Ethics - growing a community focused business that fits with your heart
Client Consultation Scripts
Business formation (LLCs, DBA, SEO - all the acronyms!)
Understanding social media as a business tool
Contracts and stock photography are included as part of training
2. Specialized Skills = Higher Income
BEST integrates your training so they fit together and can frequently be done on the same weekend allowing you to charge for several high-value services immediately. You can choose to focus on one training, or do several. Either way, you leave ready to take a client.
Placenta Encapsulation and Childbirth Education: Get certified the same week to offer this helpful and lucrative service allowing you to charge for a high-value service immediately.
Postpartum Doula Work: Seamlessly integrated with Birth Doula training to offer continuity of care and extend your billable hours.
Trust and Authority: What 1,200 Five-Star Reviews Mean
When searching for the best doula certification, credibility matters. Our training has earned over 1,300 five-star Google reviews—not just for training, but for producing successful professionals who are actively changing the birth world.
This overwhelming public validation confirms that the BEST model works—not just in a class, but in real families' homes.
Ready to Build a Sustainable, High-Income Doula Career?
Choosing your certification is the first business decision you make as a doula. Don't settle for a system designed decades ago for a volunteer mentality. Choose the training that is built for today's professional success.
Ready to start building a financially and emotionally rewarding career?
➡️
Is BEST Doula Training a nationally recognized certification program?
Yes. BEST Doula Training is recognized in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. We uphold the highest standards for evidence-based practice and professional ethics. Our certification meets or exceeds the core competencies established by other leading national organizations, but with a modern, business-focused approach.
How does BEST compare to older certification models like DONA or CAPPA?
BEST is built for the modern doula business owner. While older organizations focus heavily on a volunteer/community model, BEST integrates comprehensive, evidence-based clinical knowledge with essential business, marketing, and client acquisition skills. Our curriculum is current, efficient, and designed to help you launch a profitable, sustainable practice, not just get a certificate.
Does BEST Doula Training require me to attend a specific number of "certification births"?
No. BEST understands that strict certification birth requirements often cause unnecessary stress and can be a barrier for doulas in rural areas or those with strict personal schedules. Most organizations that do require these certification births make doulas get a doctor or nurse’s evaluation as part of their certification - a throw back patriarchal requirement we want to have nothing to do with. Doctors and nurses are fantastic resources for our clients, but they are not doulas and are in no position to evaluate our work. We prioritize quality of education and skill mastery over simply checking an old school box.
How can I be confident that BEST certification leads to real-world success?
Our track record speaks for itself. BEST Certified Doulas are market leaders across the country. We teach you the systems that work, leading to high client satisfaction and career longevity.
Is BEST Doula Training offered online or in-person?
Both. BEST offers flexible options including dynamic, hands-on, in-person workshops across the country. Birth doula is offered once a month and this training can be attended online or in-person. The online class is live and interactive, just like you are there with us (because you are!). You select on the registration form if you will be joining us in person or virtually.
What is included in the BEST certification fee that other programs charge extra for?
Unlike many programs that have hidden costs, BEST's fee is comprehensive. We do not have packets that you purchase and we do not have extra membership fees. In fact you won’t have to purchase any additional classes. We provide you with a comprehensive childbirth and lactation class (streamed) and of course you get your business training in your workshop. You also receive immediate mentorship and support groups. We focus on providing maximum value upfront, ensuring no costly surprises.