become a doula
Business Development Training Program
Build a thriving doula practice that aligns with your values, supports your clients, and makes a lasting impact on your community.
About the Course
The Mama Glow Business Development Training Program for Doulas equips doulas and other care workers with the skills and knowledge to build successful doula practices and effectively support their clients.
We empower entrepreneurs to build and grow businesses that align with their values, foster genuine connections, and contribute positively to their communities. By integrating authenticity, ethical practices, and community-building into business strategies, participants can contribute to a more conscious and compassionate business environment.
With a focus on marketing, fostering client relationships, legal considerations, and professional growth, doulas can build thriving practices that positively impact maternal and infant health outcomes and allow them to thrive as business owners.
Cadence
4-Week Online professional training program, 8 Sessions total, course meets twice a week, for 2.5 hours each session. The program includes a Business Pitch Competition.
Format
Live sessions will be conducted via Zoom with Latham Thomas and guest instructors. The course will be supplemented by homework assignments and collaborative group work. Students will have access to an online student portal with their course materials and manual.
Orientation
Trainees will participate in an orientation session one week before classes begin.
Prerequisite
This program is designed for practicing doulas and open to all individuals expanding their career path in birth work.
About the Course
The Mama Glow Business Development Training Program for Doulas equips doulas and other care workers with the skills and knowledge to build successful doula practices and effectively support their clients.
We empower entrepreneurs to build and grow businesses that align with their values, foster genuine connections, and contribute positively to their communities. By integrating authenticity, ethical practices, and community-building into business strategies, participants can contribute to a more conscious and compassionate business environment.
With a focus on marketing, fostering client relationships, legal considerations, and professional growth, doulas can build thriving practices that positively impact maternal and infant health outcomes and allow them to thrive as business owners.
Curriculum Highlights
Curriculum Highlights
Introduction to Doula Business Development
Developing payment plans, contracts, and billing systems
Building a pipeline of prospective clients and referrals
Clarifying Your Purpose and Vision
Business Operations, Sustainable Growth and Financial Management
Basics of business accounting and financial management
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Professional Development, Self-Care and Personal Growth
Networking and Collaboration
Conscious Branding & Marketing
Branding and positioning your doula business in the market
Client Communication and Relationship Building
Additional Program Features
Business Pitch Competition where your pitch will be judged by prominent business leaders.
The winner of the pitch competition will receive a cash prize to kick start or advance their venture.
Ongoing support through a designated Teaching Assistant
Investment & Support
Course Investment
$725.00 + processing fees (Returning students receive a $50.00 discount)
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
Pitch Competition
Winner of the pitch competition will receive $5,000 to support their venture
Our Training is Grounded In:
Professionalism
+ Ethics
Empathy
+ Empowerment
Integrity in
Business Practices
Sustainability
+ Financial Wellness
Adaptability + Growth
Our Training is Grounded In:
+ Ethics
+ Empowerment
Business Practices
+ Financial Wellness
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 the goal of the Doula Business Training course?
The goal of this course is to provide aspiring and experienced doulas with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to establish, grow, and maintain a successful doula business. It covers business fundamentals such as setting up your practice, pricing, marketing, client management, and business ethics, as well as offering practical tips for sustainability and personal well-being.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for doulas who want to build or improve their business skills. It’s ideal for both new doulas just starting out and experienced doulas looking to expand their services, increase their income, or refine their business operations. It is also suitable for doulas transitioning from part-time to full-time work. Folks in the healing arts working with expectant and new families will find this course helpful as well.
Do I need to have any prior business experience to take this course?
No prior business experience is required. The course is designed to be beginner-friendly, with step-by-step guidance. We break down complex concepts into easily digestible modules, so anyone—regardless of their previous business knowledge—can benefit from the training.
What will I learn in this course?
You’ll learn a variety of skills to help you run a successful doula business, including:
- Setting up your doula business and legal considerations (licensing, taxes, insurance)
- Pricing your services and creating sustainable payment structures
- Marketing and branding to attract ideal clients
- Building and maintaining client relationships and managing expectations
- Time management strategies and balancing multiple clients
- Self-care and avoiding burnout in a demanding profession
- Networking and collaborating with organizations and other birth professionals
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into easy-to-follow modules, each covering a key aspect of doula business management. You can access video lessons, reading materials, worksheets, and practical exercises. It’s all delivered online, so you can work at your own pace.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course is designed to take place over 4 weeks, with class meeting twice a week. It’s flexible so you can work at your own pace. On average, students take an additional 4 weeks to complete the full course if they spend a few hours each week diving deeper into the lessons.
Is there any support available during the course?
Yes. You’ll have access to a community of fellow students and mentorship throughout the course. You can ask questions in the course forums or via email.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes! Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that acknowledges your new skills and knowledge in managing a doula business. This can help boost your credibility when marketing your services to clients.
How do I apply the knowledge I gain from the course to my doula business?
The course is designed with practical applications in mind. After each module, you’ll work on exercises, business plans, and real-world scenarios that will help you immediately apply what you’ve learned. You’ll finish the course with actionable steps to implement in your doula practice, from setting your rates to creating marketing materials.
Can I take the course if I am not located in the U.S.?
Absolutely! This course is available worldwide, and the principles we teach are universal and applicable regardless of location. Whether you’re based in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or beyond, you’ll learn strategies that can be adapted to your local market, regulations, and cultural context.
Will the course help me grow my online presence and client base?
Absolutely, one of the key components of the course is marketing and branding your doula services. You’ll learn how to build and enhance your online presence through social media, website optimization, and other digital marketing strategies. These tools will help you attract new clients and build a strong, sustainable online presence.
Are the course modules recorded?
Yes, the course sessions are recorded so you can join the sessions live or watch the recorded sessions. The online platform allows you to access the material anytime, giving you the flexibility to study according to your schedule. You can pause, revisit modules, and move through the content at your own speed.
Will this course help me learn how to manage doula clients?
Yes. We cover time management techniques specifically for doulas, including how to organize your schedule, handle on-call work, manage multiple clients, and prevent burnout. You’ll also learn how to set boundaries and create a system for client management to keep everything running smoothly.
Have more questions?
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
