Online doula training from home
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4-Week Online Doula Training

A comprehensive four-week online course for dual certification as a labor and postpartum doula. Learn from anywhere with weekly live Zoom sessions and self-paced modules.

Duration4 Weeks
Investment$1,523
CertificationDual (Labor + Postpartum)
FormatOnline + Live Zoom
How It Works

Your Learning Experience

Self-Paced Modules

Complete weekly modules with video lessons, readings, and quizzes at your own pace throughout each week.

Live Zoom Sessions

Join your instructors and cohort every Wednesday for 3.5 hours of live instruction, Q&A, and hands-on demonstrations.

Community Support

Connect with your cohort through the private Facebook group and SMC Doula Network for ongoing support and mentorship.

Virtual Graduation

Celebrate your achievement with a virtual graduation ceremony and receive your Provisional Doula Certificate.

About the Training

Learn From Anywhere, Grow Everywhere

The SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Online Training is a four-week course offering dual certification in labor and postpartum doula care. Created in 2002, this training prepares doulas in the legacy of the 20th-century African American midwife who demonstrated traditional and spiritual perinatal care.

The training is designed to build capacity in the Black community, increase the number of doulas of color, and teach the midwifery model of care. Each week combines self-paced online modules with live Zoom instruction from veteran doulas and midwives.

"The same transformative training, designed for the flexibility of your life."

The course includes 5 modules, 56 topics, and 7 quizzes — providing a thorough and interactive learning experience. Your training manual will be shipped directly to your home, and you'll have access to all course materials through the online platform.

What's Included

  • Exclusive SMC Doula Training Manual (shipped to you)
  • Weekly live Zoom sessions with instructors
  • Orientation Packet & resource list
  • Provisional Doula Certificate upon completion
  • Certification Packet for full certification path
  • One-year Provisional Membership to SMC Doula Network
  • Listing in the Find a Doula Directory
  • Private Facebook Group for networking
Training Content
5Modules
56Topics
7Quizzes
Curriculum

Four Weeks of Transformative Learning

Each week builds your knowledge and skills, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of full-circle doula care.

Week 112 Topics · 2 Quizzes

Welcome & SMC Full Circle Doula Care

Orientation to the SMC philosophy, introduction to the Full Circle Doula model, and foundational concepts of culturally competent care.

Live Zoom: Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM PT
Week 214 Topics · 2 Quizzes

Pregnancy Care & Nutrition

Comprehensive prenatal care, nutritional guidance, herbal support, and understanding the role of public health in maternal and infant outcomes.

Live Zoom: Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM PT
Week 316 Topics · 2 Quizzes

Labor & Delivery

Stages of labor, comfort measures, working with the birth team, supporting partners, and hands-on techniques demonstrated via live instruction.

Live Zoom: Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM PT
Week 414 Topics · 1 Quiz

Postpartum Care & Entrepreneurship

Postpartum and infant care, breastfeeding support, belly binding traditions, and building your doula business — from marketing to client management.

Live Zoom: Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM PT

Virtual Graduation Ceremony

Celebrate your achievement with your cohort, instructors, and special guests. Receive your Provisional Doula Certificate.

Investment

Flexible Payment Options

$1,523

Covers training, materials, manual shipping, and one-year provisional membership

Pay in Full$1,523
2 Installments$761.50/ea
3 Installments$507.67/ea
4 Installments$380.75/ea

Registration fees must be paid at least 30 days before the first day of training. Please allow 14 business days for U.S. manual delivery.

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Schedule

Upcoming Online Trainings

May 4 – 31, 2026Graduation: June 4, 2026
Enroll
August 3 – 30, 2026Graduation: September 3, 2026
Enroll
December 7, 2026 – January 10, 2027Graduation: January 15, 2027
Enroll
Preparation

Required Reading

Please read all required materials before the first day of your course to ensure you get the most from your training experience.

SMC Full Circle Doula Philosophy

by Shafia M. MonroeAbstract — available as free PDF download (10 pages)

The Doula Guide to Birth

by Ananda Lowe & Rachel ZimmermanAvailable on Amazon

Listen to Me Good: Life Story of an Alabama Midwife

by Margaret Charles Smith & Linda Janet HolmesAvailable on Amazon or your local library

Mothering the Mother: Postpartum Traditions, Recipes and Healing

by Shafia MonroeAvailable on Amazon or SMC Shop
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my training manual?

Your training manual will be shipped to the address provided at registration. Please allow 14 business days for U.S. delivery. International deliveries may require an additional 7 business days.

Do I need to be online at specific times?

The course combines self-paced modules you can complete anytime during the week with live Zoom sessions every Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM Pacific Time. Attendance at the live sessions is required.

Is the online training the same quality as in-person?

Absolutely. The online training covers the same comprehensive curriculum and leads to the same dual certification. The format is designed to provide an equally rich learning experience with the added flexibility of learning from home.

What technology do I need?

You'll need a computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone for the live Zoom sessions. The self-paced modules can be accessed from any device with a web browser.

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, and more.

Start Your Doula Journey From Home

The same transformative training, designed for the flexibility of your life. Join our next online cohort.

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