From Training to
Full Certification
After completing your SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Training, you will receive a Provisional Certificate and begin working toward full certification. Follow these six steps — at your own pace within 24 months — to earn your Dual Certification as a Birth and Postpartum Doula.
Complete Your Training
Enroll in and complete the SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Training — either the 4-day in-person intensive or the 4-week online program.
- 32-hour comprehensive curriculum covering birth, postpartum, and business
- Receive your Provisional Certificate upon graduation
- 1-year Provisional Membership to the SMC Doula Network
- Access to the Find a Doula Directory and private Facebook group
Clinical Experience
Gain real-world experience by attending births and postpartum visits, applying the skills and knowledge from your training.
- Attend 3 births as a doula (homebirth, hospital, birth center, or unassisted if legal in your state)
- 1 Caesarean birth may count toward the required 3 births
- Attend 3 postpartum visits — preferably on the 3rd postpartum day, at minimum within the first week
- Provide client evaluation forms to each client for feedback
Book Reports & Audits
Expand your expertise through reading, reflection, and auditing classes in childbirth education and lactation.
- Submit 5 book reports (600–800 words each, 12pt Times New Roman)
- Books must come from the SMC Book List in your packet, website, or Facebook group
- Audit 4 hours of a natural childbirth or childbirth education class (6 hours for Oregon Medicaid)
- Audit 2 hours of a breastfeeding/lactation class or workshop
Additional Certifications
Obtain the additional certifications required to practice safely and professionally as a doula in your community.
- CPR certification for adults and newborns
- Food Handler's Card (if required in your state)
- Both certifications must be current at time of submission
Community Resource List
Compile a comprehensive resource list that you'll use to support and refer your clients to essential services in their community.
- 25 total resources compiled into a professional directory
- 20 must be local resources in your service area
- 5 may be national resources
- Include contact information and services offered for each resource
Submit Your Packet
Compile all your documentation and submit your certification packet for review. Your SMC Full Circle Doula certification will arrive by mail.
- Download certification forms (free first time; $25 for replacement)
- Include sealed client evaluation envelopes from each client
- Signatures required on evaluation forms and audit documentation
- Submit packet online and pay the $100 initial 2-year certification fee
- Certification arrives by mail in 4–6 weeks
Fully Certified
SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion
Dual Certified in Birth & Postpartum Care
What to Expect
From training to full certification, here is the timeline and associated fees for becoming a certified SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion.
24 Months
You have 24 months from the date of your training to complete all certification requirements.
One-time 6-month extension available ($67.50, free for Provisional Members)
$100 Certification Fee
Initial 2-year certification fee submitted with your completed packet. Certification forms are free the first time.
Replacement packet: $25
Recertification Every 2 Years
Certified doulas must apply for recertification every two years to maintain their active certification status.
Recertification fee: $200 (subject to change)