Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: November 2026
Welcome to the National Black Doulas Association® (NBDA®). These Terms & Conditions apply to your use of blackdoulas.org and to applicable NBDA programs, trainings, events, memberships, professional resources, certification services, and other services offered through or connected to this website.
By using this website, registering for an NBDA program, purchasing an NBDA service, or submitting an application, you agree to the terms and policies applicable to that service.
Website Use
The NBDA website is provided for educational, professional, informational, community, and organizational purposes.
You agree not to use the website to:
• Violate applicable law
• Interfere with website security or functionality
• Attempt unauthorized access to NBDA systems or records
• Misrepresent your identity, credentials, affiliation, or certification status
• Copy, reproduce, distribute, sell, or improperly use NBDA intellectual property
• Harass, threaten, discriminate against, or harm another person
• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
NBDA may restrict access to its website, programs, or community spaces when misuse or a violation of applicable policies is identified.
Training Registration
Registration is not complete until all required enrollment steps have been completed and NBDA confirms the participant’s seat.
Depending on the program, this may include:
• Registration or intake information
• Required participant agreements
• Required payment or approved payment arrangement
• Age or program eligibility requirements
• Any additional cohort-specific requirements
Standard individual public training registration is for participants age 18 or older. Participants under age 18 may participate only through an approved NBDA group or high-school program with the required organizational and parent/guardian documentation.
Training Payment
All applicable training balances must normally be paid and cleared no later than 48 hours before the training begins.
Available payment options may vary based on the training date and may include:
• Payment in full
• An approved NBDA payment plan
• Klarna or Afterpay when available through the applicable payment provider
A payment plan does not change the total tuition owed. Any exception allowing a balance to remain after the standard deadline must be approved by NBDA in writing.
Refund Policy
NBDA training payments are non-refundable.
Registration reserves space in a scheduled program and supports program preparation, trainer compensation, materials, technology, administration, and other program costs.
Training-Date Changes
Registration for one participant may not be transferred to another person.
A participant who is unable to attend the originally scheduled training may contact NBDA to request review of available options.
A training credit or move to another training date is not automatic. When approved by NBDA, a participant may be permitted to apply eligible paid tuition toward another available training within one year of the originally scheduled training date.
Approval is subject to:
• Available training dates
• Available cohort capacity
• The participant’s account status
• Any tuition difference
• NBDA approval
NBDA will document any approved exception or training credit in writing.
If NBDA Changes a Training
NBDA may occasionally need to adjust a training date, trainer, format, location, or other program detail because of circumstances affecting program delivery.
When a material change occurs, NBDA will communicate available next steps to affected participants. Participants should not make non-refundable travel arrangements until the applicable in-person training details have been confirmed.
Training Completion Is Not Certification
Completing an NBDA training does not automatically make a participant an NBDA Certified Doula or other NBDA-certified professional.
A Training Completion Certificate confirms completion of the applicable educational training requirement.
Certification is a separate process that may require additional:
• Practical experience
• Mentorship
• CPR/First Aid
• Verifications
• Documentation
• Application materials
• Fees
• Final NBDA review and approval
Only individuals who have successfully completed the applicable certification process may represent themselves as holding that NBDA credential.
Certification and Recertification
Certification and recertification applicants are responsible for reviewing and completing the requirements associated with their specific credential.
Submitting an application, payment, verification, or document does not guarantee certification or recertification approval. NBDA may request additional documentation or clarification before making a final determination.
Mentorship
When mentorship is required for certification, participants must use an NBDA-approved mentor.
Approved mentors operate their own mentorship programs and determine their own scheduling, program structure, expectations, agreements, and fees.
Unless otherwise specifically stated, mentorship fees are paid directly to the mentor and are not collected by NBDA.
Independent Professionals and Directory Listings
Doulas and birth professionals listed in the NBDA directory generally operate as independent professionals or independent businesses.
A directory listing does not create an employer-employee relationship between NBDA and the listed professional.
Families are responsible for interviewing professionals, reviewing contracts, discussing services and fees, and determining whether a particular provider is appropriate for their needs.
Educational Information and Scope
NBDA provides education, professional development, resources, and community programming.
Information provided through NBDA does not replace individualized medical, mental-health, legal, financial, or other licensed professional care.
Doulas and other nonclinical birth professionals should work within their applicable professional scope and should not diagnose, prescribe, perform clinical procedures, or make medical decisions for clients unless they separately hold a license that legally authorizes those activities.
Intellectual Property
NBDA training materials, manuals, workbooks, videos, presentations, forms, graphics, logos, curriculum, written content, and other proprietary materials may be protected by copyright, trademark, or other intellectual-property rights.
Unless NBDA provides written permission, materials may not be:
• Reproduced
• Resold
• Republished
• Distributed
• Uploaded to public platforms
• Used to teach an unauthorized course
• Presented as the user’s own work
Access to educational materials does not transfer ownership of NBDA intellectual property.
Community Conduct
Participation in NBDA programs, events, membership spaces, Discord communities, trainings, and other NBDA environments is subject to the NBDA® Code of Ethics and applicable community standards.
Harassment, threats, discriminatory behavior, abuse, intentional disruption, misrepresentation, and other serious misconduct may result in review and appropriate organizational action.
Third-Party Services
NBDA may use or link to third-party platforms for services such as registration, payments, financing, virtual meetings, community participation, email, forms, scheduling, and file access.
These providers may have their own terms and privacy practices. NBDA is not responsible for the independent policies or availability of third-party services.
Changes to These Terms
NBDA may update these Terms & Conditions as its programs, technology, and organizational policies evolve.
The most current version will be published on this website. Continued use of the website or NBDA services after an update constitutes acceptance of the applicable updated terms.
Questions
Questions about these Terms & Conditions may be directed to hello@blackdoulas.org.
