Credentials, Training & Continuing Education
What is Most Important to You?
Interviewing or Choosing Your Doula
Doulas are not regulated by any government organization. A doula may be affiliated with an agency or work independently with clients who have insurance, including Medicaid.
Certification has become an more important consideration with the growing availability of fertility benefits. If you plan to take advantage of those benefits, consult your HR department so you understand what type of doula you should look for in order to be reimbursed for their fees. Training by an organization is the first step toward certification.
To maintain certification with the larger doula training organizations require doulas to be members, and to submit proof of continuing education every 3-5 years. CPR training and Proof of Insurance are also important to consider depending on where you plan to give birth.
Doula Certifications & Qualifications
Credentials to Compare
In 2019, I trained with DONA’s highly respected trainer, Ann Grauer, to begin working as a Postpartum Doula. In 2020, I was certified through a rigorous certification program, and re-certified with DONA as a postpartum doula in 2024. To read more about DONA’s certification and training, Read Here. CM&F hold my liability insurance, I take community training for CPR regularly.
In 2021, I was trained and certified as Birth Doula through Active Birth Institute, a boutique organization in South Jersey, started by Crystal Marris Sada. Crystal was a pioneer in the field of doula training and advocacy. She has since sold her business to a doula collective in the Philly. Her training was incredible, and her mentorship was even better. I hold life-long certification with her.
In 2023, The Healthy Children Project course allowed me to sit for my Certified Lactation Counselor, which I passed in the Spring. To learn more about this training, read about Healthy Children Project CLC Training Here.This certification allows me to support successful breastfeeding for my doula clients, staying in my scope with this added service. I do not charge extra for this service for my birth and postpartum clients. Clients in Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes and Oakland may take advantage of an in-home consult for a reasonable fee.
February 2025, I certified with DONA as a Birth Doula through their alternate pathway, which helped me organize and maintain a profile on Doula Match. You can read my profile Here!
Over the course of my career, I have taken many continuing education classes and webinars. My interests lean strongly toward NICU support for families (I had a NICU kid), birth disparities for women of color, and respectful support for people growing their families through surrogacy, adoption, and IVF. I want to be considered an Ally, and thought of as someone who provides support with sensitive, respectful and continuous care.
