FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Interested in becoming a Carriage House Birth Doula? Find answers to our most frequently asked questions here. Have one that you don’t see an answer to? You can reach us at info@carriagehousebirth.com.

What is CHB’s Birth Doula program like?

A combination of self-led learning, hands-on training, and continuing education, our program at CHB builds an essential foundation for birth doulas. Completed over the course of two years participants will earn a lifetime birth doula certification from Carriage House Birth. The core curriculum will provide students a deep understanding of childbirth education and labor and immediate postpartum support, and teach the fundamentals of how to build and market an independent doula business.

What is CHB’s Postpartum Doula program like?

Held over the course of four days in person or nine weeks virtually, our program at CHB builds an essential foundation for postpartum doulas who are looking to adequately serve families in the months beyond birth. In partnership with Samatha Huggins, Woven Bodies, and Dorcas Davis Consulting this program takes an immersive approach to teaching participants both fundamental newborn care and understanding and supporting the psycho-spiritual shifts that occur for new families. The curriculum spans the breadth of practical tools like belly binding, multiples care and overnight work and softer skills like deep listening, maintaining personal self-care while providing deep care for others, and holding space. 

Does CHB offer any continuing education programs?

Yes, both virtually and in-person. Our CHB continuing education workshops are designed to deepen student’s knowledge on birth & postpartum support and foster a critical sense of community.

Can anyone enroll?

Yes, anyone and everyone interested in learning how to provide support to birthing people is welcome. Our class rosters reflect a broad diversity from trained experienced doulas seeking to enrich or expand their work to new doulas just entering the field to those keen to hone the services of a doula without becoming a practicing one. People under the age of 18 will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to be a certified birth doula to enroll in postpartum doula training?

Not necessarily. Some doulas choose to focus their energy solely on providing postpartum support, while others provide both; at CHB we support either direction. And our postpartum doula training is open to those with no experience in birthwork at all. 

Are there prerequisites to complete before the training I’ve enrolled in starts?

Yes. For students enrolling in the birth and/or postpartum doula training there are materials you will be required to read, listen to andwatch before your session starts. Plus, you will be required to write a brief reflection on the assigned materials.  By diving into this prerequisite learning, it allows you to show up to your training with some baseline knowledge and information to give you the confidence to add to the conversation.

Are there follow-up requirements after I complete my training to become certified?

As a birth worker the learning process never really stops. As for specific requirements, following completion of your training, students will be required to independently attend additional workshops and classes (these are not included in the cost of training). All your pre-and-post training requirements can either be completed from home and within your local community, or with Carriage House Birth (we offer discounted rates for our students). 

How many hours can I expect the daily courses to be?

Our usual in person schedule is 10am-5pm or 9am-6pm daily for the birth and postpartum doula training. Our virtual birth and postpartum doula training schedule is 10am-1pm or 6pm-9pm EST. Class times are subject to change pending on location and students will be notified of their specific schedule once they register.

What’s the average class size?

While class sizes can vary widely there will never be more than 30 students in any in-person training.

How long does my certification from Carriage House Birth last?

It is a lifetime certification.

Is the training I receive recognized by certifying organizations like DONA, CAPPA, or BAI?

All these organizations have their own trainings and certifications. Since doula work is an emerging field, and one that is unregulated, each organization designs its own parameters for certification. The one designed by CHB is both rigorous and widely respected. Once you complete all your requirements you will be certified as a Carriage House Birth doula and immersed immediately into our CHB community.

How long does certification take?

It really depends on the individual. We can say that the majority of our doulas are certified within six months to one year after the completion of their training.

Will I be able to earn a living as a doula?

Yes, though your success will depend as much on your skillset as a doula as it does on your skillset as a marketer. CHB covers the business of marketing yourself in both our training and in our supplemental continuing education workshops where you’ll learn some essential tools. The benefit of earning your certification through CHB is that you’re immediately connected to our vast network—our village—where you’ll find support and guidance.

How much is the tuition?

Both the Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula training programs are set at a sliding scale from $799-$1199 each. Prices are subject to change and do not include the cost of additional classes, materials or books. You can secure your spot and choice of training date and location, here. Payment plans and invoices for ACH/bank transfers are also available.

More information on our sliding scale tuition?

Each training has a limited number of sliding scale options and are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the $799 or $999 seats are not available for the trainings listed and you would like to be put on a waitlist, please email us at info@carriagehousebirth.com and we will notify you if a lower priced seat becomes available for purchase.

Please be considerate of your own personal financial situation and privileges when choosing your ticket option. Use the self-assessment below each choice to assist you.

$1199

+Comfortable meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, entertainment, etc.

+Find ease in paying rent, mortgages, or other bills

+Currently employed and/or have access to savings and/or family/inherited wealth

+Discretionary disposable income

+4-month payment plan available

$999 

+Occasional financial stressors while meeting basic needs

+Have housing stability and food security

+Manageable debt

+Moderate discretionary disposable income

$799 

+Frequent stress meeting basic needs

+Live in low-income housing or have housing instability and/or food insecurity

+Unemployed or require government assistance

+Supporting dependents

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