Description
Doulas provide physical and emotional support to families having babies. Women who receive doula care have better birth outcomes. Doulas are not midwives. They do not provide any medical care. The work of a doula is to attend births and help women cope using comfort strategies. Doulas also care for women after they have a baby and help with breastfeeding.
Job Title(s)
Doula, Birth Doula, Labor Doula, Labor Support, Postpartum Doula, Birth Coach, Labor Coach, Full Spectrum Doula, Loss Doula
You should consider Doula work
Doulas participate in a rite of passage for women — childbirth. They work intimately with families. Words can’t describe the awesomeness of the work a doula does. It is a perfect fit for someone who is passionate about women’s healthcare and enjoys working with people. Successful doulas will have great communication skills, be quick thinking, be willing to learn business management, and have excellent problem solving capabilities.
Career Transition
The Doula profession is a perfect career path to transition to from being a nanny, home health aid, daycare worker, medical assistant, au pair, nurse, nursing assistant, substitute teacher, tutor, and other vocations. It works great for those seeking part-time, seasonal, or temporary work. The Doula profession is a great fit for those seeking a career that would allow them to earn a living wage, and also stay at home with their children, or homeschool their children while working.
Doula work is flexible, although the hours are often on-call, you can set your own schedule and work independently. Doulas are also employed in hospitals.
Quick Facts
Median pay starts at $20 per hour.
Doulas work as contractors, employees, or business owners. Doulas are paid a set fee per birth or hourly.
A full time doula attending 3-5 births per month can earn from $2000 to $6000 per month in the United States depending upon the city. Doula charges usually start at $500 per birth.
Employment Outlook
Overall employment of certified doulas is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2020 to 2025, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Education and Training
High School diploma/GED
Doula Certification required
College credits/degree preferred
CPR Certification preferred
Start Doula Certification Course (Free)
16 CEUs
The CPI Birth Doula and Postpartum Support certification program is internationally recognized and prepares you for an amazing and rewarding career. This comprehensive curriculum prepares Doulas to support women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. You will also learn strategies to build a successful doula business.