Become a Doula
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person and their family before, during, and after childbirth.
Our role is one of advocacy, education, and unwavering presence, specifically designed to:
Improve Outcomes: Studies show continuous doula support leads to better maternal and infant health outcomes, including lower rates of interventions and C-sections.
Combat Bias: Doulas act as vital advocates in the clinical setting, helping birthing people assert their preferences and ensuring they receive respectful, dignified care free from bias.
Ensure Equity: By supporting families through the full spectrum of the birthing journey, especially those accessing Medi-Cal coverage, doulas help bridge the gap in healthcare equity.
If you feel drawn to this work, doula care is not just a career—it is a pathway to impact, purpose, and community transformation.
Become a Doula
Become a Doula
Exploring the Path to Doula Certification
The role of the doula has deep roots in community, cultural, and Indigenous practices—caregivers supporting families during the perinatal period without requiring formal certification. However, if you plan to work within the professional healthcare system, particularly with the Medi-Cal or private insurance reimbursement models, formal trainings and requirements are needed to meet DHCS compliance and billing standards.
Before committing to a training program, we encourage you to explore the following resources to understand the scope and opportunities for doulas in our current healthcare system:
Understanding the Medi-Cal Pathway (California): The state has created a dedicated pathway for birth workers.
Medi-Cal Birth Worker Resource Hub: A comprehensive resource for doula enrollment and reimbursement information.
Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Doula Services: Official guidance on covered benefits and provider requirements.
Finding a Training Organization: Reputable organizations offer training and certification programs (e.g., DONA International, CAPPA, etc.). Research programs that align with your values and local requirements.
Essential Experience: Most certification pathways require a minimum number of documented births and a specified number of continuing education hours.
General Resources for Aspiring Doulas
The Chaun Method™
What Is The Chaun Method™?
The Chaun Method™ is a dynamic doula training and education curriculum designed for emerging birth workers who want to lead with confidence, competence, and clarity from day one.
Created by Chantel Runnels—the Doula for Doers and Dreamers™—this method goes far beyond traditional doula education. It blends the art of intuitive, culturally grounded support with the science of operational excellence, giving new doulas everything they need to start strong and sustain a thriving practice.
The Chaun Method™ prepares you to:
Master essential doula skills using evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care.
Support diverse families with cultural humility, respect, and intentionality.
Navigate birth spaces confidently, advocating for safe, equitable care.
Build a sustainable doula business, using systems, workflows, and tools that streamline your work.
Develop your leadership voice, so you show up grounded, professional, and empowered.
This advanced training is intentionally crafted for people who are:
Are current BirthWorkers and deeply passionate about supporting families.
Seeking a professional, well-structured training that honors both heart and strategy.
Ready to join a community of purpose-driven doulas committed to change.
Are interested in joining The Chaun Collective Agency.
The Chaun Collective offers two distinct pathways to turn your passion into a thriving, sustainable profession.
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If you are already a trained or certified doula providing excellent care, your next step is joining our Agency Model. We handle the complex, draining administrative work so you can focus entirely on your clients.
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For Trainee & Aspiring Doulas
Launch Your Career with integrated support and options.
Starting a doula career can be challenging—training costs, difficulty finding hands-on experience, and a lack of a clear path to professional employment. Our Doula Lab, mentorship programs, and partnerships were created to help resolve these issues.