FAQs
How long does it take to become a certified doula?
Do I have to have children to become a doula?
Upon completion of the Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Certification, will I be prepared for being a doula right away?
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!
Do I have to attend any births to submit for certification?
Yes, there are a total of 3 births required for certification. There are two pathways that a BBA trained doula can take for their certifying births – the first is the traditional pathway, where you attend three births and fill out a birth evaluation form for each. The second pathway is the mentorship pathway, where you will work with your doula trainer through the course of your journey with your clients, from hire to birth.
Does this program help me get clients for the three certifying births?
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.
After completing my certification, will I have to recertify in the future?
Birth, Baby! Academy believes in lifetime certification. There may be times when advanced certification or education are desired. While our 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, 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 required to submit a payment in the amount of $100.00.
I have already trained as a birth doula with another program, but I’m looking for continuing education. Is there a discount for people who have already been through training?
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. Additionally, if you submit 5 reviews from past clients, the certifying birth requirement will be waived.
If I train with Birth, Baby! Academy, do I start working with the Empowered Beginnings agency?
No, but I can see why this may be confusing because Birth, Baby! Academy is a “DBA” of the Empowered Beginnings, LLC. Ciarra Morgan does own a doula agency, but Birth, Baby! Academy completely separate thing from the doula agency. Birth, Baby! Academy doulas do not automatically work for and are not expected to work for Empowered Beginnings.
Does the Empowered Beginnings agency welcome birth doulas that train with Birth, Baby! Academy onto their doula team?
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. Birth, Baby! Academy encourages new birth doulas to work on their own through their certifying births prior to joining any doula agency, not just Empowered Beginnings.