become a doula
Mama Glow Childbirth Educator Certification Program
The Mama Glow Childbirth Educator Certification program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to teach expectant families about pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum care, while supporting them in their journey to become certified birth work professionals.
About the Course
The Mama Glow Childbirth Educator Certification Course will equip you with the education and skills to prepare people from all walks of life for pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the early postnatal period.
This unique course implements the framework of trauma-informed care to emphasize cultural competency, empathy, and structural competency. Twice a week, your instructors will focus on a curriculum theme that emphasizes a particular dimension of childbirth education.
Emerge from this course with the tools to successfully lead individuals and groups in childbirth education and broaden your access to career opportunities and advancement.
This is a professional training program and upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate.
Cadence
4-Week Online professional training program, 8 Sessions total, course meets twice a week, for 2.5 hours each session.
Format
Live sessions will be conducted via Zoom with Mama Glow childbirth educator instructors. Your 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 where you will meet your instructors and fellow course trainees.
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 Childbirth Educator Certification Course will equip you with the education and skills to prepare people from all walks of life for pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the early postnatal period.
This unique course implements the framework of trauma-informed care to emphasize cultural competency, empathy, and structural competency. Twice a week, your instructors will focus on a curriculum theme that emphasizes a particular dimension of childbirth education.
Emerge from this course with the tools to successfully lead individuals and groups in childbirth education and broaden your access to career opportunities and advancement.
This is a professional training program and upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate.
Curriculum Highlights
Curriculum Highlights
Delivering Culturally Competent Childbirth Education
Reclaiming Bodily Autonomy
Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth
Comfort & Care During Pregnancy
Exploring the Care Team
Navigating Labor and Birth Support
Advocacy and Informed Decision-Making
Abortion, Miscarriage, Loss & Community Care
Postpartum Wellness & Care
Infant Feeding & Early Newborn Care
Classroom Planning and Curriculum Development
Facilitation Skills & Sustainable Business Practices
Additional Program Features
Ongoing support through a designated Teaching Assistant
Pathway to Certification upon completion of course requirements
Opportunities for professional development
Testing and certification support
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
Our Training is Grounded In:
Evidence-Based
Education
Empowerment
+ Autonomy
Holistic + Person-Centered
Care
Inclusivity + Accessibility
Continuous Learning
+ Self-Reflection
Our Training is Grounded In:
Education
+ Autonomy
Care
+ Self-Reflection
Meet the Instructors
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.
Bintou Diarra
Editorial Lead at Mama Glow, MS2 at Alpert Medical School, Doula, BSc in Medical Anthropology
Bintou Diarra is a writer, advocate, doula, and third-year medical student at Brown University's Alpert Medical School. She currently serves as Editorial Lead at Mama Glow, a leading organization in maternal health. Bintou earned her undergraduate degree from Brown in medical anthropology, where she led the Ivy League’s premier collective of trained doulas and birth advocates. Her work explores the intersections of reproductive justice, bioethics, and health equity, and she has published editorial pieces on these topics across major platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the objectives of the Childbirth Educator Certification Training program?
The goal of this course is to provide doulas, midwives, nurses, and other healthcare providers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to become Certified Childbirth Educators. You’ll learn how to teach expectant parents about pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, equipping them with the information and confidence to make informed decisions.
Who is this course intended for?
This course is designed for doulas, nurses, midwives, doctors, and other healthcare professionals who want to become certified childbirth educators. It’s ideal for those looking to expand their scope of practice, deepen their understanding of childbirth education, and enhance their ability to support families throughout pregnancy and birth.
Do I need to have prior experience as a doula or healthcare provider to take this course?
While prior experience in childbirth or as a doula can be extremely beneficial, it is not a requirement to take this course. The content is designed to be accessible for both beginners and experienced professionals. If you are new to childbirth education, you’ll find foundational information that will help you succeed.
What will I learn in this course?
Throughout the course, you will learn:
- The roles and responsibilities of a certified childbirth educator
- Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth
- Teaching techniques and adult learning theories for effective instruction
- Creating engaging, informative, and inclusive curriculum for childbirth classes
- Pain management techniques and comfort measures during labor
- Navigating the emotional and psychological aspects of childbirth
- Supporting informed decision-making and advocacy for families
- Postpartum care and newborn care education
- Marketing and growing your childbirth education business
How is the course structured?
The course is structured in modules that include video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and assignments. Each module builds on the previous one, covering topics in a comprehensive and progressive manner. You will also have access to discussion forums, where you can interact with instructors and fellow students, as well as mentoring sessions.
How long does the course take to complete?
The course meets twice a week over a four week period. Each week consists of approximately 2.5 hours of content per session, including instruction and exercises. The course content typically takes an additional 6 weeks to complete once the live course ends. You can progress at your own pace and revisit materials as needed within that period. This makes it ideal for busy professionals balancing work and personal commitments.
What is the Certification Timeline?
You have a 12-month window from the course completion date to fulfill all certification requirements. If you require additional time, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an extension, as there are no penalties for submissions after the 12-month mark.
Will I receive a certification upon completion?
After successfully completing all course modules, assignments, and exam, you will receive a Childbirth Educator Apprentice Certificate that can be used to demonstrate your qualifications and readiness to teach while you work towards becoming certified. Once you complete your certification requirements you will receive your Certified Childbirth Educator Certificate. This certification is recognized by professional doula and healthcare organizations, enhancing your credibility and ability to teach childbirth classes.
What are the Mama Glow Childbirth Educator Certification requirements?
- Class Attendance
- Final Examination
- Reading List & Reflections
- Submitting Class Demo Video
- Submitting Full Lesson Plan
- Submitting Childbirth Ed Resource List
- Completing Apprentice Hours
Are there any exams or assessments in the course?
Yes, the course includes quizzes, assignments, and a final exam to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material. These assessments are designed to ensure that you are fully prepared to teach childbirth education classes and work with families in a knowledgeable and professional manner.
How do I apply the knowledge I gain from the course to my practice?
The course provides practical, real-world strategies for integrating what you learn into your practice. You’ll create your own curriculum and lesson plans for teaching, develop a business strategy for offering childbirth education classes, and gain insights into effective communication and advocacy techniques. The course emphasizes real-life application, ensuring that you leave with actionable skills.
Is the course suitable for both in-person and virtual teaching?
The course prepares you to teach both in-person and online childbirth education classes. We cover how to engage students in both settings, including how to use technology effectively for virtual classes. You will also learn how to adapt your teaching materials for different platforms and learning environments.
Can I teach childbirth education classes after completing this program?
Yes, upon certification, you will be fully qualified to teach childbirth education classes to expectant parents. This certification will enable you to offer classes on topics such as pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care. You can choose to work independently, partner with hospitals or birth centers, or offer online classes.
Do I need to have liability insurance or any other legal protections to teach childbirth classes?
It’s highly recommended to carry liability insurance as a childbirth educator, especially if you’re teaching in person or running your own business. We provide guidance on how to obtain appropriate insurance and the legal considerations of teaching childbirth education, including how to write contracts and manage business liabilities.
What kind of support will I receive during the course?
You will have ongoing support from both instructors and peers throughout the course. You’ll have access to instructor office hours for personalized guidance as well as peer discussion groups and forums for sharing ideas and questions. Email support is available for more individualized inquiries
Will this course help me build a business as a childbirth educator?
Yes, the course includes sections on marketing, branding, and business management specifically for childbirth educators. You’ll learn how to develop a sustainable business plan, attract clients, set pricing, create a curriculum, and market your services effectively. We’ll also cover tips for working in collaboration with healthcare providers and organizations.
Can I take the course if I am outside of the U.S.?
Absolutely! The course is available globally and can be adapted to various cultural contexts. While some aspects of the course may refer to U.S. based guidelines, the core principles of childbirth education, anatomy, physiology, and teaching techniques are universal and relevant regardless of your location.
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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
