become a doula
Mama Glow Doula Homeschool: Level 1
Mama Glow Doula Homeschool – Level 1 Professional Doula Training Program provides aspiring and practicing doulas with essential knowledge and hands-on skills to support families during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, focusing on emotional, physical, and informational support.
About the Course
Our signature foundational professional doula training program provides aspiring doulas with essential knowledge and skills to support birthing families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
This course covers topics including: emotional and physical support techniques, comfort measures, and the role of a doula in the birth team. It also emphasizes cultural competency, informed consent, and evidence-based practices to ensure that doulas can provide compassionate, personalized care to each family they serve.
This is a certificate program designed to advance birthworkers professionally.
Cadence
6-Weeks – Course meets once a week on Sundays, for 3.5 hours.
Format
Join live Zoom sessions with Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas, where you’ll engage in in-depth discussions and learning. The program also includes homework assignments, collaborative group work, and access to our online student portal, where you’ll find course materials and additional resources to support your learning.
Orientation
Trainees will participate in an orientation session one week before classes begin. You’ll also gain access to a private group within our online membership platform, where you can connect with your fellow trainees and mentors.
Prerequisite
This program is designed for newcomers to the doula field or those with little to no prior experience. It’s open to everyone, regardless of background or professional experience, and provides the essential foundation for becoming a certified birth doula.
About the Course
Our signature foundational professional doula training program provides aspiring doulas with essential knowledge and skills to support birthing families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
This course covers topics including: emotional and physical support techniques, comfort measures, and the role of a doula in the birth team. It also emphasizes cultural competency, informed consent, and evidence-based practices to ensure that doulas can provide compassionate, personalized care to each family they serve.
This is a certificate program designed to advance birthworkers professionally.
Cadence
6-Weeks – Course meets once a week on Sundays, for 3.5 hours.
Format
Join live Zoom sessions with Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas, where you’ll engage in in-depth discussions and learning. The program also includes homework assignments, collaborative group work, and access to our online student portal, where you’ll find course materials and additional resources to support your learning.
Orientation
Trainees will participate in an orientation session one week before classes begin. You’ll also gain access to a private group within our online membership platform, where you can connect with your fellow trainees and mentors.
Prerequisite
This program is designed for newcomers to the doula field or those with little to no prior experience. It’s open to everyone, regardless of background or professional experience, and provides the essential foundation for becoming a certified birth doula.
Curriculum Highlights
Curriculum Highlights
Foundations of Doula Work
Labor Support Techniques & Comfort Measures
Evidence-based practice
Anatomy & Physiology of Pregnancy and Birth
Supporting the Birth Team
Navigating Informed Consent
Childbirth Education & Birth Preferences
Postpartum Care & Recovery Support
Marketing and Business Basics
Stages of labor & birth Interventions
Cultural Competency and Sensitivity
Client Relationship Management
Self-Care for Doulas
Additional Program Features
Ongoing mentorship support through a designated Teaching Assistant.
Access to a private online community to connect with fellow trainees.
Clear pathway to Mama Glow Certification upon successful completion of course requirements.
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Mindfulness techniques and support for managing stress and reducing burnout.
Investment & Support
Course Investment
$825.00 + processing fees
Payment Plans
50% of the balance is due to hold your spot and the remaining balance is due 2 weeks prior to class start time
Scholarship Opportunities
Partial scholarship support is available. Please contact: doulatrainings@mamaglow.com with any questions.
Our Training is Grounded In:
Activism & Advocacy
Ancestral Tradition & Ancient wisdom
Cultural & Structural Competency
Evidence-Based Research & the Ethereal
Empathy & Compassionate Care
Our Training is Grounded In:
+ Ancient Wisdom
+ the Ethereal
Meet the Instructor
Latham Thomas
Founder, Mama Glow, Visiting Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies, Brown University
Latham Thomas is a distinguished women’s health expert, Black maternal health advocate, entrepreneur, Ivy League professor, speaker, and best-selling author. Most notably, she is the visionary founder of Mama Glow and the Mama Glow Foundation. Established in 2011, Mama Glow is a premiere global maternal health and education platform serving birthing people along the childbearing continuum. Its global community is home to over 3,000 doulas spread across the entire USA and 6 continents. With over 20 years of experience in the women’s health advocacy space, Latham works with leading insurance companies, hospital systems, and educational institutions to improve the experience of maternal health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is doula Training?
Doula training is an educational program that prepares individuals to support clients before, during, and after childbirth. It covers a range of topics including labor support techniques, emotional and physical care, advocacy, childbirth education, and professional ethics.
What is the difference between the Mama Glow Doula Immersion Program and the Mama Glow Doula Homeschool Program?
Our Level 1 Doula Immersion program is designed to educate and initiate new and experienced birth workers into service of expectant and new families. The program covers pregnancy through birth and the early postpartum period. The immersion weekend is a 3 day intensive course and there is coursework that carries doula trainees through a year of independent study along with community events and mentorship support. Our Level 1 Doula Homeschool program is offered online and accessible to those who would like to take the course virtually from the comfort of their home.
What topics are covered in Mama Glow doula training?
The Mama Glow Professional Doula Training Programs include topics such as anatomy and embryology, maternal anatomical adaptations to pregnancy, stages of labor and support techniques, pain management techniques, informed consent and advocacy, birthing positions, breastfeeding support, postpartum care and recovery, and effective communication with clients and healthcare providers.
How long does doula training take?
The duration of doula training programs varies. Mama Glow offers a 3-day immersive weekend training program and a 6-week intensive training program that meets for 3.5 hours weekly. There is additional work that needs to be completed outside of the training program including, comprehensive coursework, workshops, and practical experience.
What are the prerequisites for Mama Glow doula training?
We do not have formal prerequisites for Level 1, however, all doulas regardless of experience need to complete Level 1 to continue their educational and professional journey with Mama Glow. Most aspiring doulas come to the program with a basic understanding of childbirth or experience in related fields, but it isn’t required. Our program is designed to be accessible.
Does Mama Glow offer clients or professional development support to doulas who haven’t completed training at Mama Glow?
Mama Glow is deeply committed to supporting our community. We provide doula clients and professional development support and mentorship to individuals that have invested in and completed our training programs. If you are interested in taking advantage of our career development pathway, the best way to get started is to enroll in our professional training programs.
After I complete the training will I be certified?
When you complete the training, you will receive a trainee certificate indicating that you have completed the course. You will be on the certification path which includes independent study, documentation, and apprenticing. To be eligible for certification, you will need to complete attendance at the Mama Glow Professional Doula Training Program – Level 1, attend 3 births, complete reading requirements, complete your certification packet which includes forms, and submit proof of CPR certification, breastfeeding observance. You have a year to complete the requirements.
How do I choose the right doula training program?
When choosing a doula training program, consider factors such as the program’s reputation, the experience and background of the instructor(s), the curriculum, costs, and certification outcomes and ongoing support. Speak to some of the program graduates and read reviews from past participants.
Is certification required to practice as a doula?
Certification is not always required to work as a doula, but it can enhance your credibility and marketability. Many clients and healthcare providers prefer or require certification as a standard of professional training and competency. Mama Glow offers mentorship and certification support to doula trainees on the path to certification. Doula trainees can work with clients to get experience in the field. When you are certified through Mama Glow, you have access to more professional opportunities and increased pay.
What are the costs associated with Mama Glow Doula Training?
The costs for doula training can vary depending on the program and its offerings. The range per course is between $795.00 – $995.00 and costs include: tuition, materials, certification and administration fees. There may be additional expenses such as travel or lodging if you are attending a training held in-person.
Does Mama Glow offer Payment Plans or Scholarships for Doula Training?
What kind of support is available during and after training?
The Mama Glow Professional Doula Training Program offers support through mentorship, networking opportunities, and continuing education, access to online forums, workshops, homework groups and local doula groups to help you stay connected and continue learning.
Can I work as a doula immediately after training?
Yes! After completing Mama Glow Professional Doula training, you can begin working as a doula trainee. You will receive a trainee certificate indicating that you are ready for professional service and are on the path to certification. Mama Glow offers professional opportunities to newly minted doulas. Gaining practical experience, building a client base, and obtaining certification can enhance your readiness and success in the field.
How do I secure clients as a new doula?
As a new doula you can find clients through networking, joining doula or birth professional organizations, building a professional website, marketing yourself through social media and engaging with local communities. Our Bloom Business Development Training Program for Doulas helps doulas craft business strategies aligned with their professional goals.
Are there continuing education requirements for doulas?
Continuing education requirements vary depending on the certification organization. Mama Glow offers ongoing professional development to maintain certification and skill development, which includes: attending workshops, conferences, webinars, or additional training offerings. While these additional offerings are not required, it is recommended that you engage in additional training to improve as a professional.
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become a doula
Upcoming Professional Trainings
Events
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First Foods Justice: Breastfeeding Certification Program for Doulas
June 8, 2027 @ 6:00 pm - June 24, 2027 @ 8:00 pm$595.00