Find a DONA Certified Doula

Benefits of Working with a DONA Certified Doula

DONA-certified doulas are trained to provide evidence-based, ethical, client-centered support. Certification must be earned and maintained through continued education and evaluation, ensuring professionalism and compassionate care throughout the birth or postpartum experience.

How to Choose a DONA Certified Doula

Choosing the right doula is personal and can influence your birth or postpartum journey. Clarifying your needs and values can help guide your search.

Decide what type of doula you need.

Birth doulas are trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support throughout labor and delivery. The doula helps with comfort measures like positioning, counter pressure, and breathing techniques, offers emotional support to create a nurturing space for the birthing parent and their partner, and serves as a bridge of communication to help families make informed decisions and advocate for the very best care.

Postpartum doulas are trained to understand what new babies – and new parents – truly need. The doula helps with soothing techniques, offers lactation or bottle feeding support, and explains normal newborn behavior and postpartum recovery expectations.

Examples:

Birth (CD/AdvCD)
Postpartum (PCD/AdvPCD)

Define Your Priorities

Do I want someone with specific experience (home birth, hospital, first-time parent)?
Is cultural, spiritual or language alignment important to me?
What type of support do I expect most: emotional, informational, advocacy or hands-on?

Search for Doulas

Use DONA International’s directory to find certified doulas by location and specialty, then interview candidates to ensure the right fit.

Filter Doulas

Region

State

Trusted Training & Professional Standards

DONA International doulas complete extensive training and follow professional guidelines designed to support families safely and respectfully.

Rigorous certification process requiring hands-on experience and recertification every 3 years
Certification includes a Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice for client-centered care
Continuing education encourages up-to-date, research-based support
Peer support network that fosters mentorship, collaboration and referrals

Get your Free Guide to Hiring a Doula

How do you hire a doula? What questions should you ask a doula before you choose them as part of your birth team? Learn more about best practices in the doula field.