Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps towards certification?

Attend training workshop
Mid-term exam
4 approved elective courses
First Aid/CPR Level C certification
Labour Support to 2 families with evaluations
Required Readings with reviews
Projects, Assignments
Final Exam
Reflective paper

What can I expect at the training workshop?

We will discuss the role of a labour doula and how we are a valuable member of the birthing team
You will acquire pregnancy, birth and postpartum knowledge and how to provide this information as doula
Learn how medical interventions have impacted the birth
Learn about the stages of labour and how you can support through all stages as well as incorporate the partner in the process

Discover ways to use non-medical comfort techniques to help provide the physical support element of our role as a doula
Hear about the risks and benefits of medical interventions and how to support woman in decision making or how to support at medical births
Learn about the transition to parenthood in the postpartum period including discussions on breastfeeding and
postpartum disorders
Learn about your birth business and how to market yourself and meet clients

What is an approved “Elective” at The Healing Arts Learning Organization?

The elective component of our certification process is very similar to the CEU (continuing education unit) component of many regulated professions. However, instead of being “continuing”, we ingrained this thirst for knowledge and additional learning into our certification process in hopes of helping you to become the best doula you can be. Use this opportunity to specialize your practice, earn additional income streams and set yourself apart from the other doulas in your community. We offer many electives within our organization, but you are not limited to only those! What we are looking for to approve an elective is that it is relevant to your future business as a doula and that it is taught by an accredited organization/instructor. If you find something in your community you feel will qualify, send us the details and we will let you know! Read this to learn more about how to choose electives that will benefit you most.

Are there any membership or exam fees?

At The Healing Arts Learning Organization, what you see is what you get! We do not charge an exam fee or a future “membership” fee. Your cost to do the training does not include any money you might spend on the books for the required readings or elective classes, but those costs are variable and are not paid to us. The only payment you will make to us is for your training.

Do I need to recertify after a number of years in the business?

We do not require our students to maintain a membership status or to recertify after being a business professional for a period of time. Once you graduate you will always be a member of The Healing Arts Learning Organization alumni.

What if I need help through the process of becoming a doula?

The members of the Doula team at The Healing Arts Learning Organization are very accessible and easy to talk to. As a smaller organization, we view our students like a family. We have a private group on facebook where the doula group connects with other students and graduates in other communities to ask questions, share stories and network. We schedule online doula shares regularly as well for those who are not into social media. We have annual Doula Retreats (additional fees might be required for these events) as well! We are always here to help you through the process if you need us.

How long do I have to complete certification?

We allow a person 2 years to work on their certification. This is plenty of time and many people complete it in 6 months to one year. However, everyone’s life is their own and sometimes people need longer than the 2 years. We allow that opportunity – free of charge – by having the individual sit in on another training workshop as a refresher and then continue on their journey.

What if I have not given birth or have had a medical birth or cesarean? What if I didn't breastfeed?

Our labour doulas and labour doula students have all had a different experiences. Many of our students have never given birth, many have had natural births, many have had surgical births or a variety of birth experiences. Having given birth or given birth naturally is definitely not a prerequisite to becoming a doula nor does it make one a better doula. A lot of women who have had 'negative birth experiences' are highly motivated to become labour doulas to help provide support for women that they would have appreciated themselves. Through our training workshops, our required readings, the electives you choose and our ongoing support you will become a confident and competent labour support person regardless of the gifts or challenges your prior experiences may contribute.

I am on a strict budget, how can I estimate the complete cost of my training so I know if this is something I can afford to do?

Make no mistake, the cost to be a doula is an investment in your future and the money you put into the business will help you determine what you will get out of it in return. That doesn’t mean you need to break the bank in order to be trained and the good thing is that the investment is spread out over the time you are working toward certification (possibly 2 years). The picture will look different for every individual. Our instructor Michelle wrote about it best is this blog post. Have a look and see if the whole picture looks right for your budget.

What are the chances of obtaining a job after I complete my training?

Being a doula, at this time, is your own business. There are not job opportunities through midwifery or OB clinics, at hospitals or birth centers. The people who hire you are the general public. Couples or single moms who are looking to have the support of a trained, professional labour doula at their birth, or a trained postpartum doula as support as they transition to the role of parent. Your success will depend on you and how well you market/advertise yourself. Like any new business, it may take time. Rest assured that during your training you will learn about marketing and advertising of your new business. And you will also be able to use your electives as a way to gain even more knowledge. The Healing Arts Learning Organization is built on business professionals who were once in your shoes wondering if they could do it. They have been there, done that, and are living proof of how you can obtain success as a business professional. In addition, the society we live in today is looking for people, people like you who are passionate about helping others in their birth journey, to support them. There is no better time to start a doula career.

I have heard of other training organizations. Why should I choose HALO?

Being a doula in North America is an unregulated profession. What this means is that no one organization or group regulates doula work. For you, that means you can take your training through whatever organization you feel you connect with the most. When/if the time comes that doula work becomes a regulated field, rest assured that The Healing Arts Learning Organization offers certification in other healing arts and is familiar with the process of complying with these kinds of requirements. We will be 100% committed to ensuring you as a student of our organization is recognized. Until that time, we will work hard to ensure we offer quality, professional training that is current, highly professional and joyful. We offer a supportive environment and staff you can connect with when needed. When you choose the Healing Arts Learning Organization's doula training programs you are choosing a program that is 100% Canadian, a program that is small and personal. You are never a number within HALO. You will build a relationship with your instructor and with your peers. Your requests and needs are important to us. Your input is valuable and helps us to continue to shape the program. Our support does not end after your training workshop or even upon certification. We are continuously supporting and encouraging our doulas to take the next step, to be courageous, to dissolve limiting beliefs and to step into a life and career that is exciting, rewarding and filled with passion.