How long does it take to become a birth doula with Aviva Institute?
The initial training is a six-week course. Most of the training is done online from your own home. You can log in at any time of day that fits into your schedule, read online materials, watch videos, post to the discussion forum and share experiences and knowledge with a wonderful group of women. With a high level of instructor involvement, someone is available to answer questions, direct you to resources and make the learning experience fun and enjoyable. To get the most out of this course please plan on logging in five out of seven days. There will be weekly assignments designed to help you to retain and synthesize the materials provided. The course is graded on a pass/fail basis. There is also a practicum component where you will need to find someone to practice role-play assignments with. Preferably this person has some experience with normal birth but even inexperienced people can help. You then have one year to attend three births that you recruit in your own home area and submit evaluations from those births.
How is the hands-on component done?
Students do their practicum in their own community. Birth doula students will need to seek out a mentor who is a practicing doula, childbirth educator, midwife, nurse or someone who has some experience with normal childbirth, though in reality anyone can take on this mentor role if necessary. The mentor helps to carry out carefully designed role-play activities that are woven into the work of the course. This is to ensure that when you are done with a doula training program at Aviva Institute you will not feel "out of place" but confident when you begin your work as a doula. In order to become certified you will need to attend three births during the first year after you have completed the birth doula course.
Other doula courses are done in a weekend, why is the Aviva Institute so much longer?
We have found that most people can’t absorb the amount of material crammed in a weekend course. This six-week course allows participants to absorb and discuss information provided. The course meets the Aviva Institute Standards of being both comprehensive and accessible. This is a complete program designed to prepare students for doula practice.
What is the cost of the doula training course and the certification?
The cost for the six week program is $350. Cost for certification is $35.00 and it is good for three years. There are no additional fees.
What books do I need?
There is a list of books listed on the website for the course to refer to and study from. Most of these can be found at local libraries and can be bought at the Aviva MBS bookstore or other online bookstores. Please make sure that you have the correct edition to avoid confusion during class.
Am I certified at the end of class?
At the end of the six week course you will be given a certification of completion. After submitting evaluations from attending three births within the first year of completing the birth doula course you will be certified. For the postpartum doula certification you need to submit evaluations from three clients. Certificate is good for three years. In order to recertify you need 15 hours of continuing education.
Is doula certification legally recognized?
There are no legal requirements in any state for certification of doulas. Certification is voluntary. Many doulas choose to become certified with courses that have been established for some time and have name recognition. However none of the most popular certification programs have any outside authority reviewing their materials. Aviva Institute is a state authorized college with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. All our courses and certificate programs are approved through a rigorous review of course objectives, syllabus, teaching methods and faculty qualifications.
What kind of income can I expect as a Certified Doula?
Most birth doulas set up their own private practice, your income will depend on the number of births you do each month. The amount charged by doulas varies depending on where you live but the national average is $600-800 per birth. There is now a billing cpt code being established for doulas so that insurance companies will recognize them. This is the first step in the process of having third party payers reimburse for birth doula services.
Postpartum doulas have private clients and can be reimbursed by insurance companies if there is a medical need for the mother. Usual pay for postpartum doulas is in the 15.00-30.00 an hour pay range.
What about other doula organizations? Do I need to be certified through them as well?
The doula courses information about the different doula certifying programs for those who wish to pursue additional certification however no further classes or certifications are required for establishing a doula practice.
What about when I am done with my training?
Aviva Institute offers opportunities for ongoing participation and additional education regarding childbirth. We also have the added resource of our birth doula forum, where you can gather information and support from the hundreds of other doulas that Aviva has trained. This will keep you up to date on Aviva Institute policies and any exciting new information!
