Starting the journey into birth work is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re feeling called to become a doula, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, or another type of support professional, there’s no shortage of programs promising to teach you everything you need to know. But how do you choose the one that’s right for you?

We created our Birth Worker Training Guide to help take the guesswork out of that decision. It includes a side-by-side comparison of popular training organizations, so you can explore what aligns with your values, needs, and goals. And in this blog post, we’re walking through key factors you’ll want to consider before enrolling.

Training Types Offered

First things first: What kind of support do you want to provide — and what does birth work look like to you?

Training programs vary widely in what they offer, and one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing which type of training aligns with your goals. Some programs focus exclusively on one role, like birth doula training, while others may offer multiple pathways, including:

• Postpartum doula training, which focuses on supporting families during the early days and weeks after birth — emotionally, physically, and practically.
• Full-spectrum doula training, which includes support for a wide range of reproductive experiences beyond birth and postpartum, including abortion, miscarriage, fertility, surrogacy, and loss.
• Childbirth educator training, which prepares you to teach classes on the labor and birth process, helping expectant parents feel informed and confident in their choices.
• Lactation support training, which may include education as a lactation counselor, peer supporter, or consultant — depending on the depth of training and credentials offered.
• Sibling doula training, fertility doula training, and other specialized programs may also be available for those looking to offer more tailored care.

If you’re newer to this work, it can be helpful to start with one foundational path — like birth or postpartum doula training — and know that there’s always room to grow. Many experienced birth workers continue adding additional trainings over time to expand their skill set, better meet the needs of their community, or follow personal interests and lived experiences.

Our Birth Worker Training Guide makes it easy to see at a glance which programs offer which types of training, so you can find a starting point — or a continued path — that aligns with your vision, values, and desired scope of practice.

Costs, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Let’s be honest — cost can be one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a birth worker training program. We believe that quality education should be accessible, and financial limitations shouldn’t keep anyone from stepping into this work. That’s why it’s so important to understand not only how much a program costs but also what kind of financial support might be available to you.

Training program costs can range widely — from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the organization, what’s included, and whether certification is involved. Some higher-cost programs bundle mentorship, certification fees, or continuing education into the price, while others may charge separately for these add-ons. Be sure to review what’s included carefully so you’re comparing apples to apples.

Many programs offer payment plans, and increasingly, some are also creating equity-based scholarships or sliding scale pricing, especially for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and low-income participants. Others may have community-sponsored spots in partnership with local nonprofits or birth justice collectives.

Here are a few tips when evaluating the cost:

• Ask what’s included: Are books, exams, or certification fees part of the tuition? Or are they extra?
• Look for ongoing value: Will you receive continued access to resources, a support community, or business coaching after training?
• Reach out directly: If cost is a concern, don’t be afraid to email and ask about upcoming scholarship opportunities or possible discounts. Many organizations are open to working with you — they just don’t always advertise every option on their website.

Investing in your future as a birth worker is a powerful decision, and you deserve clear, transparent information to help you do that wisely. Our Birth Worker Training Guide includes cost comparisons and notes any available financial support, so you can assess what’s realistic for you.

In-Person vs. Virtual Options

Since the pandemic, more training organizations have shifted to offering virtual formats. While in-person trainings provide hands-on practice and community building, virtual options can be more accessible and flexible — especially for those with kids, jobs, or transportation challenges.

When evaluating a program, consider your learning style. Do you thrive in a group setting? Need time to absorb at your own pace? Some programs are self-paced, while others are live and interactive. Think about what kind of environment you’ll learn best in.

Equity and Inclusion: Who’s Leading the Work?

When exploring a training program, it’s not just what is being taught that matters — it’s also how, why, and by whom. Birth work exists within a larger system of care, and that system impacts families in different ways based on race, gender identity, sexuality, ability, language access, and more. Having a thoughtful lens on these intersections can help you feel more equipped to support a wider range of people through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

That doesn’t mean there’s one “right” type of training to choose. Many people have meaningful experiences in national programs, small community-based trainings, and everything in between. But it’s worth asking:

• Does this program explore how social, cultural, and systemic factors affect perinatal care?
• How does it approach things like informed consent, reproductive justice, or trauma-informed care?
• Does the language used feel inclusive of different identities and experiences?
• Are there resources or modules that address supporting marginalized communities?

Some programs are led by educators with lived experience in communities impacted by marginalized intersections. Others may offer expert guest instructors or supplemental content that dives into equity topics. Some may not focus on these aspects at all — and if that’s the case, it’s okay to ask yourself whether you’ll want/need additional learning elsewhere to feel fully prepared.

Our Birth Worker Training Guide covers whether training programs are Black-owned, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and/or intentionally inclusive of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ topics in their values and curriculum — so that if those are things you’re looking for, they’re easy to spot. Wherever you choose to begin your birth work journey, having awareness of the larger context families navigate helps you show up with more depth, compassion, and care.

Beyond the Training: Business Support, Mentorship, and Continuing Education

The best trainings don’t just prepare you to support births — they prepare you to build a sustainable practice. Does the program offer help with setting up your business, understanding your scope of practice, or accessing continuing education?

Some trainings include mentorship, peer support, or lifetime access to materials. Others drop off after the final session. If you’re hoping to make a career of this work (or already have), strong post-training support can make all the difference.

Other Questions You Might Ask

Is the program nationally recognized or more locally/community based? Both nationally recognized and grassroots/local programs can offer valuable experiences—just in different ways. National organizations may have wider name recognition, which can help if you plan to work across multiple states or want access to a large alumni network. They may also offer standardized training modules and more frequent training dates.

On the other hand, smaller, locally-rooted programs can offer intimate class sizes, tailored curriculum, and stronger community connections. They often center community-specific needs and may have deeper cultural grounding, especially in BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ spaces. If you’re planning to work in a specific geographic or cultural community, these programs may be more aligned with your goals and values.

Does the training reflect your worldview? Every training is shaped by the values and lived experience of its instructors. Some programs lean heavily into medicalized models of care, others take a more holistic, traditional, or community-based approach. Some are explicitly grounded in social justice and reproductive justice frameworks, while others may not address race, class, gender, or systemic oppression at all.

Ask yourself: What do I want in a training program? Is it important to me that it integrates ancestral knowledge or traditional care models? That it explicitly challenges systemic disparities in maternal health? Choosing a training that reflects your worldview can help you feel more at home in the learning process. But consider also that a training that exposes you to new ideas and constructs can expand your perspective, and better prepare you to serve families with varying sets of needs.

Is certification important to you? Certification can be a helpful credential, especially in places where hospitals, community orgs, or Medicaid reimbursement require it. For others, particularly those building a private practice, certification may not be necessary. Some birth workers choose trainings that offer robust education and community — even if certification isn't the end goal.

Make sure to look into what's required in your area and ask yourself what feels most aligned with your vision. And remember — being certified doesn’t automatically make someone more skilled or compassionate, and not being certified doesn’t mean someone isn’t deeply qualified.

Do alumni speak positively about their experience? One of the best ways to learn about a training is to hear from people who’ve taken it. Look for testimonials on the program’s website, check out reviews on social media, or even reach out to past students if possible.

What did they like about the experience? Did they feel supported? Did they gain the knowledge they expected? Would they recommend it? Alumni feedback can give you insight into the real-world experience of the training — beyond the polished marketing materials.

How much support do you need to feel confident post-training? Some people thrive with ongoing mentorship, discussion spaces, and peer-to-peer learning after their training ends. Others prefer to chart their own course, seeking out continuing education as needed. Think about what kind of learner you are and what will help you feel prepared to step into your role.

Does the training offer business support? Are there opportunities for networking, case consultations, or continuing education credits? Will you be part of a cohort you can continue learning with? Choosing a program that supports your growth over time — not just during the training weekend — can make a big difference in your sustainability and confidence.

We Made This Resource for You

We know what it’s like to try and figure it all out on your own. That’s why we made the Birth Worker Training Guide — to help you compare your options side by side, with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re just starting to dream about entering the birth world, or deep into your journey and looking for your next step, we hope this guide supports you in taking that step intentionally.

Explore the guide now and find a training program that reflects you, your values, and your future in this work. Because your voice in this field matters — and there are many people and parents who are looking for someone just like you.

👉 Explore the Guide Now

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