Frequently Asked Questions

No. Many doulas start their work without having children of their own. This is a great topic of conversation when networking with other doulas. You can learn from their personal experiences of doula work without being a parent.

After you complete your training, you will have two years to complete your certification packet and apply to become a Birth, Baby! Academy Certified Doula. You can apply for a one-year extension for $100.00 if you find yourself needing more time.

Yes, there are a total of 3 births required for certification. There are two pathways that a trained doula can take for their certifying births. You can find details HERE.

You are responsible for finding, interviewing with, and contracting your own clients. The training will have education to equip you with the tools to help with each step of this process. If you are struggling with landing clients, you can inquire about mentorship options.

Yes! Part of the reason this program was created is to give doulas a well-rounded education to equip them with the skills to hit the ground running with their practice. The training and certification are thorough (see the syllabus for a list of topics) and assist in making prospective doulas feel confident to jump in to doing what they love: supporting families through pregnancy and birth!

We believe in lifetime certification. There may be times when advanced certification or education are desired. While this program carries a lifetime certification, you may apply for advanced certification any time after the two-year anniversary of your certification date. To obtain an advanced certification, you must: 1) Show proof of completing three continuing education courses over those two years and 2) Submit reviews from three past clients. To maintain the advanced certification, this must be completed and submitted every two years. Each time you submit for advanced certification, you will also be charged an administrative fee of $100.00.

Not necessarily. While Empowered Beginnings is a doula agency, those who complete the Birth, Baby! Academy doula training are not expected to nor guaranteed to work for the Empowered Beginnings doula agency.

Empowered Beginnings is open to having Certified Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doulas join the team, but it is on a case-by-case basis and is not automatic. We encourage new birth doulas to work on their own through their certifying births prior to joining any doula agency, not just Empowered Beginnings. 

Yes! If you have a previous training/certification as a doula, you may submit proof of such and receive a discount on your training. Click HERE to learn more about cross-training options.