Become a Certified SMC Full Circle Doula
This is a 4-day (32 hour) in-person doula training for dual certification as a labor and postpartum doula. This training is the first step — and required — to becoming a certified SMC Full Circle Doula Companion.
This is a culturally competent training that honors the legacy of the 20th Century African American midwife to improve birth outcomes, increase breastfeeding rates, and create leaders. The four-day training involves learning, sharing, receiving, and creating friendships.
"Honoring the legacy of the African American midwife, we demonstrate how pregnancy support reduces premature births and how postpartum care prevents maternal exhaustion."
Having a dual certification as a labor and postpartum doula is crucial to providing comprehensive care to help pregnant women throughout the reproductive cycle. You simultaneously learn labor and postpartum skills, giving you the ability to provide truly full-circle care.
What's Included
- SMC Doula Training Manual
- Provisional Certificate upon completion
- One-year Provisional Membership to SMC Doula Network
- Certification Packet for full certification path
- Listing in the Find a Doula Directory
- Private Facebook Group for networking
- 18 years of age or above
- High school diploma or GED
- Interest in supporting women and families
Topics That Set Us Apart
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the training based on?
Our training draws on the centuries-old traditions of African and African American midwives and healers, that kept us connected to physiological birth and the joys of service to birthing women and their families. The training is based on the legacy of the 20th Century African American midwife, doula care, public health information, and research-based practices. It incorporates lectures, instructional materials, learner interactions, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Who are the instructors?
Instructors are SMC Certified Trainers who are veteran doulas and midwives with extensive experience in maternal and infant health. They bring both clinical expertise and deep cultural knowledge to every training session.
Who can attend the training?
The only requirements are that you are 18 years of age or above, have a high school diploma or GED, and are interested in supporting women and families before, during, and after birth. SMC Doulas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
What is the value of the SMC Doula Network Provisional Membership?
Membership is essential for accessing your training materials and manual after the course ends, staying in touch with your cohort, receiving certification support, accessing continuing education, having the public find you through the doula directory, and receiving discounts on conferences and webinars.
What happens after the training?
Upon successful completion, you receive your Provisional Certificate and begin the certification path. You have 24 months to complete requirements including attending 3 births, 3 postpartum visits, 5 book reports, auditing childbirth and breastfeeding classes, obtaining CPR certification, and submitting your certification packet.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Join hundreds of certified SMC Full Circle Doulas who are transforming maternal health outcomes in their communities.