UPDATE: I no longer recommend DONA International. The training was not sufficient, but I didn't know what I didn't know. I close to not certify with them because my values no longer aligned.

Now I recommend Intentional Birth. Much more in-depth, comprehensive, and worth the investment.

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Original post:

After hours of researching, I felt very overwhelmed. I settled on DONA International for a few reasons.

1. My husband was in his third year of law school and I wanted a program that was widely recognizable and could serve me anywhere we decided to move.

2. DONA is one of the more rigorous certification programs. With workshops, lactation trainings, attending a childbirth class, networking with local birth professionals, required reading, attending at least 3 births, being recommended by an OB or midwife, and more, you can trust that a doula certified with DONA International has the skills to be able to serve you.

3. My doula was DONA certified, and she was an angel for us. I trusted that doing the same training as her would leave me in a good place. And so far, I think it has!

If you want to become a doula, I recommend training somewhere. DONA International is a great option, and I'm glad I went with it. Good luck on your journey and finding what will work best for you!

This infographic from DONA describes what someone must to do be certified by them: