Become a Birth Doula

The Doula Project Training Program: 

Medicaid-Aligned Birth Doula Training & Certification

The Doula Project’s Medicaid-Aligned Doula Training & Certification Program is designed to prepare birth workers to confidently serve families while meeting the requirements to become a Medi-Cal Doula Provider.

Our program provides comprehensive, evidence-informed training rooted in compassionate, community-based care. Graduates complete foundational doula education aligned with California Medi-Cal standards and are prepared to pursue enrollment as Medi-Cal providers.

Program Overview

This training offers structured instruction, practical skill development, and clear guidance on professional practice within a Medicaid framework.

Participants receive a comprehensive Foundations of Birth Doula Care Training Manual, designed to support both learning and real-world application.

The curriculum includes:

• Pregnancy and childbirth anatomy & physiology

• Prenatal education and emotional support skills

• Labor support and non-medical comfort measures

• Lactation and infant feeding foundations

• Community resources and ethical referrals

• Professional standards and Medi-Cal overview

• Practicum preparation and birth experience attestation guidance

What You Will Learn

Foundations of Pregnancy & Birth

• Reproductive anatomy and pregnancy physiology

• Fetal development by trimester

• Stages of labor and the hormonal cascade

• Common maternity care terminology and interventions

• The doula’s non-clinical role within medical settings

Prenatal Doula Support

• Building trust and rapport

• Supporting informed consent and client autonomy

• Trauma-informed care principles

• Birth preparation and comfort strategies

Labor & Immediate Postpartum Support

• Movement, positioning, breathwork, and touch techniques

• Partner coaching and communication support

• Emotional presence during labor

• Golden hour and early postpartum bonding

Lactation & Infant Feeding Support

• Physiology of milk production

• Latch and positioning basics

• Normal newborn feeding patterns

• Supporting breastfeeding, pumping, and formula feeding

• Identifying when to refer to clinical providers

Community Resources & Medi-Cal Integration

• Understanding WIC and public health programs

• Navigating Medi-Cal covered doula services

• Scope of practice and ethical boundaries

• Documentation and provider responsibilities

Practicum & Certification Pathway

To align with Medi-Cal requirements, trainees receive guidance on:

• Professional conduct within birth spaces

• Reflective practice and sustainable doula care

• Documenting three supported births

• Preparing birth experience attestation for Medi-Cal enrollment

This structured pathway supports doulas in moving from training to qualified practice with clarity and confidence.

Certification Requirements

Certification through The Doula Project requires:

• Completion of the full training program

• Demonstration of foundational doula knowledge and professional conduct

• Attestation to supporting three births as a birth doula

Participants must document their birth experiences and submit a signed attestation confirming completion of three supported births. Guidance on documentation and professional reflection is included within the training program to ensure clarity and alignment with Medi-Cal enrollment pathways.

This certification pathway ensures that doulas are not only trained, but experienced in real-world birth support.

Practicum & Birth Experience Attestation

To support trainees in meeting certification requirements, the program includes:

• Preparation for entering and navigating birth spaces professionally

• Reflective practice to process birth experiences

• Documentation guidance for supported births

• Step-by-step preparation for submitting birth attestations

Our goal is to ensure doulas feel confident, prepared, and supported as they transition from training into active practice.

Opportunities Within The Doula Project Nonprofit

Doulas certified through The Doula Project are welcome to participate as working birth doulas within the nonprofit.

Trainees who are completing their certification requirements may also volunteer with the nonprofit to support families while working toward their three required births. This pathway allows doulas to gain meaningful, supervised experience while serving communities in need of accessible birth support.

Participation within the nonprofit fosters mentorship, community connection, and continued professional growth.

Our Commitment

The Doula Project is committed to expanding access to equitable, culturally responsive birth support. By aligning our training with Medi-Cal standards, we are helping grow a workforce of doulas equipped to serve communities who have historically faced barriers to care.

This program is ideal for:

• Aspiring doulas seeking Medicaid-aligned training

• Community birth workers expanding their credentials

• Individuals committed to accessible, evidence-informed support

Tuition & Sliding Scale Model

The Doula Project is committed to expanding access to high-quality, Medicaid-aligned doula training while maintaining the sustainability of our nonprofit programs and services.

To support this mission, we offer a sliding scale tuition model. This structure allows participants to choose a payment level that reflects their financial situation while helping sustain training access for others in the community.