How Can I Fulfill the Birth Requirements for Doula Certification?

To become a THW Certified Birth Doula, you must attend 3 births and complete 3 postpartum visits. There are two primary ways to gain this experience:

1. Shadowing an Experienced Doula:
   • Connect with active doulas who can provide opportunities for you to shadow them during births and postpartum visits.
   • During these experiences, you will observe and assist the experienced doula, allowing you to apply your training under supervision.
2. Accepting Your Own Clients:
   • As a volunteer doula, you can accept clients who are seeking support from a volunteer doula.
   • When you accept a client, you will:
     • Offer 2 prenatal visits after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
     • Be ‘on call’ for 2 weeks before and after the estimated due date.
     • Attend the birth from the onset of active labor through at least 2 hours postpartum.
     • Conduct 2 postpartum visits within the first 6 weeks after birth.

Important: If you are unable to fulfill your duties for any reason, you must communicate with the CDP as soon as possible.