Holistic Fertility Doula Trainings
If you feel called to support families during pregnancy, labor and delivery, NBDA Birth Doula Training can help you build the knowledge, practical skills and professional foundation to begin that journey.
The National Black Doulas Association® Birth Doula Training prepares aspiring and developing birth workers to provide informed, compassionate and culturally responsive physical, emotional and informational support.
Through live, instructor-led education and applied learning, you will build skills in labor support, communication, advocacy, informed decision-making, professional scope and culturally responsive care.
Choose Your Learning Experience
We offer live virtual and in-person cohorts throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to choose the training experience that best fits your schedule, location, and learning needs.
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3 days of live, instructor-led education.
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$888
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Aspiring doulas, developing birth workers and professionals seeking a strong foundation in pregnancy, labor and delivery support.
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Training is the educational starting point for NBDA Birth Doula Certification.
What does Birth Doula do?
The Role
A birth doula is a trained, nonclinical support professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Preparation & Education
Birth doulas help clients prepare for childbirth, explore their preferences, understand available options, practice comfort measures and communicate questions and concerns with their care team.
Professional Scope
Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatment, perform clinical procedures or replace physicians, midwives, nurses or other licensed healthcare professionals.
Support & Advocacy
Birth doulas complement the care team by helping clients feel informed, supported and connected to their own choices while encouraging respectful communication and informed decision-making.
Culture-Centered Care
At NBDA, we also prepare doulas to understand how culture, race, access, bias and systemic inequities can shape maternal health experiences, particularly for Black and Brown families.
Why Start Your Birth Doula Training Journey with NBDA?
More Than Training. A Foundation for Meaningful Birth Work.
At the National Black Doulas Association®, we believe families deserve to feel informed, respected, affirmed and supported throughout pregnancy, delivery and beyond.
Our training brings together culturally responsive care, professional standards, practical support skills, trauma-informed practice and workforce readiness so you can serve families responsibly and grow into professional birth work with confidence.
What to expect during training?
NBDA’s three-day Birth Doula Training is a live, interactive learning experience designed to connect professional knowledge with practical doula skills.
Each training is led by an NBDA-licensed Doula Trainer who provides experienced instruction, practical guidance, and insights into professional birth work.
Whether you choose a live virtual or in-person cohort, you can expect:
Live, instructor-led learning with guidance from an experienced trainer
Interactive discussions and practical application to strengthen your understanding
Black birth history and maternal health equity to support culturally grounded care
Skill-building and professional development to prepare you for doula practice
After enrollment, you’ll receive the details and resources you need to prepare for your training.
From Training to Certification
Your Path to NBDA Birth Doula Certification
Choose your training
Select a live virtual or in-person Birth Doula Training cohort.
Receive Your Training Completion Certificate
NBDA verifies successful completion of the educational portion of the pathway.
Complete Four Qualifying Births
Serve as the primary doula at four qualifying births and complete the required verification process.
Complete Required Documentation
Submit the applicable client verification forms and certification materials.
Complete Final Review
NBDA reviews your completed training, mentorship, practical experience and documentation.
Complete Your Three-Day Training
Participate in the full training experience and required instructional hours.
Complete Your Three-Month Mentorship
Work with an NBDA-approved mentor as you continue developing your professional practice.
Complete CPR & First Aid
Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification as required for NBDA certification beginning in 2027.
Apply for NBDA Certification
Submit your certification application and applicable certification fee.
Earn Your NBDA Birth Doula Certification
After the full pathway is completed and approved, you receive the NBDA Birth Doula credential.
Preparing Doulas for Today’s Maternal Health Landscape
Doula services are increasingly part of hospitals, Medicaid programs, managed care organizations, community health programs and maternal health partnerships. NBDA helps trainees build professional skills in documentation, communication, culturally responsive care, scope awareness, resource navigation and accountability.
Training or certification through NBDA does not guarantee enrollment, credentialing or reimbursement through a particular payer or program. Requirements vary by state, payer and healthcare system.
Are you ready?
Flexible payment options are available based on your selected training date and enrollment timeline.
Available options may include NBDA in-house payment plans, card, ACH, Klarna, Afterpay and other approved payment pathways.