Doulas of North America -DONA International
CD(DONA)

Step One – Required Reading (At least 5 plus the position paper)
Must read
DONA International’s Position Paper: The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity Care, 2006
AND The following two books:
• Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, The Doula Book, 2nd edition, 2002
• Simkin, The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions, 3rd edition, 2008
At least one of the following:
• Kitzinger, The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, 4th edition, 2004
• Simkin, Whalley & Keppler, Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: the Complete Guide, revised, 2001
• Douglas, The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: the Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth and Everything in Between, 2002 (U.S. or Canadian version)
• Whalley, Simkin & Keppler, The Simple Guide to Having a Baby (simple English version), 2005
At least one of the following:
• Harper, Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions about Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, Hospital Birth, revised 2005
• Gaskin, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, 2004
• Peterson, An Easier Childbirth: A Mother's Guide for Birthing Normally, 1993
• Goer, The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth, 1999
At least one of the following:
• Mohrbacher, Stock & Newton, The Breastfeeding Answer Book, 3rd edition
• Mohrbacher & Kendall-Tackett, Breastfeeding Made Simple, 2005 (Available in the U.S. and Canada)
• Newman & Pitman, The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, 2000 (Available in the U.S.)
• Newman & Pitman, Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding, 2000 (Available in Canada)
• Huggins & Lawrence, The Nursing Mother’s Companion, 5th edition, 2005
Cost - $75

Step Two – Become a Member of DONA International
Continuous membership in DONA International is also required to maintain your certification.
membership provides a number of benefits including a subscription to the International Doula quarterly magazine and our on-line newsletter, the eDoula, and discounts on both certification packets and conference fees.
Cost: – $50 for 1 year; $85 for 2 years; $125 for 3 years

Step Three – Purchase a Birth Doula Certification Packet
The birth doula certification packet contains the forms you will need, such as the breastfeeding class form and childbirth education observation form. Each certification packet expires within two (2) years of purchase so doulas will need to purchase a new packet if they do not submit their application within two (2) years of purchase. You must purchase your packet prior to attending any births you plan to submit for certification.
Cost – $35 for members; $45 for non-members

Step Four – Attend a Childbirth Education Series (taught by an educator certified by one of the approved organizations) One of the components to certification is to attend a twelve (12) hour childbirth education series as an observer, not as a participant.
Cost – Approx. $100+

Step Five – Attend a DONA approved Birth Doula Workshop
One of the most important aspects of certification is to complete the sixteen (16) hour birth doula workshop.
Cost - Approx. $200-400

Step Six – Attend Births Required for Certification fill out several forms that are included in birth doula certification packet for each birth submitted, including a birth record, labor progress chart and client confidentiality release statement. For each birth, need to write an essay following the guidelines indicated in your packet. Each submitted birth will require an evaluation from the mother and primary care provider. If the primary care provider is a doctor, an additional nurse’s evaluation is required.

Because each birth must meet a number of requirements (such as continuous support and the doula’s presence at the onset of active labor) you may actually need to attend five to six (5-6) births or more in order to have the minimum of three (3) that meet all of the necessary
Cost – None-Expenses
* While there are no direct costs to the doula to attend births, you may have expenses such as parking, child care and gas.

Step Seven – Attend a Breastfeeding Class Several options to meet this requirement include attending a breastfeeding class taught by an instructor with a recognized breastfeeding credential that is three (3) hours in length or taking an on-line breastfeeding course.
Cost – Approx. $40 or free

Step Eight – Complete a Resource List compiling names and phone numbers to submit at least 45 resources.
Cost – None

Step Nine – Write a 500-1,000 Word Essay on the Purpose and Value of Labor Support
Cost – None

Step Ten – Complete the Basic Knowledge Self-Assessment Tool
TEST
Cost –– None

Step Eleven – Provide Two Character References
One personal and one professional reference
Cost – None

Step Twelve – Sign DONA International’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
Signature indicates that you will abide by DONA International’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics in your role as a DONA certified birth doula.
Cost – None

Step Thirteen – Pay Your Certification Processing Fee
Cost - $60

Compare And Contrast Each Organizations Requirements.