Doula Certification: Do You Really Need It?

In the world of birth work, there’s one question that comes up often: Do you really need to be certified to be a successful doula? The short answer? No. The long answer? Well, it’s a little more complicated.

The Truth About Doula Certification

I’m not going to sugar coat it — certification is not a golden ticket to success. Being certified doesn’t automatically make you a better doula, nor does it guarantee clients will choose you over someone who isn’t certified. Plenty of doulas out there are thriving, have strong reputations, and have never completed their certifications — I am one of them.

Certification can open doors and can make you eligible to work with a wider variety of clients. It can give you credibility in a saturated market. Some hospitals, birth centers, and clients will specifically look for certified doulas because they assume certification is required to be a doula or they assume it means you’re somehow more professional if you’re certified. In some cases, certification is required, especially if a client has insurance coverage for doula services or is using a program like Carrot Fertility, which may only work with certified professionals. Certification may also be necessary when working with certain agencies that have strict requirements for their doulas.

What Doula Certification Really Gives You

Doula certification programs can provide structure and accountability, which may be important for you as an individual. Certification often means you have a professional organization backing you up—offering mentorship, guidance, and support when needed. You will have access to a community of other doulas, which can be invaluable for networking, sharing experiences, and continuing your education. Certification can also motivate you to stay on top of your skills and ensure you’re meeting the ongoing continuing education requirements to keep your certification active. They provide an organization-wide scope of practice that will help you establish boundaries and maintain professionalism. Additionally, if a client ever has concerns or files a complaint, your certifying body may be able step in as a mediator, giving you a level of support you may not have otherwise.

All that said, doula work is intuitive, relationship-based, and deeply personal. No certification program can teach you the heart and instinct it takes to really connect with your clients, hold space during the messy, unpredictable moments of birth or postpartum, or offer non-judgmental support when things don’t go as planned. That comes from experience, not a certificate.

Should You Get Certified as a Doula?

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal goals and how you want to shape your business. If you’re looking to work in a hospital setting or primarily with low-income women who qualify for government funded insurance programs, certification might be non-negotiable. If you want to get a leg up in those areas, certification can give you an edge.

But if you’re building a business based on personal referrals, working in the community, or partnering with homebirth midwives, clients may not care about a piece of paper. They want someone who will show up fully for them, advocate fiercely, and hold space for whatever happens during labor and postpartum. They want someone with knowledge, compassion, and a clear head to help them grounded.

National Baby Co's Take on Certification

At National Baby Co., we don’t require doulas to be certified to join our team, but we do require all our doulas to complete a recognized training program. Why? Because we believe training gives doulas a solid foundation, but certification is a personal choice. We believe in bodily autonomy when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum and we believe in professional autonomy when it comes to running your doula business. At NatBaby, we choose to focus on real-world skills and client connection over credentials. Our priority is making sure you have the knowledge, passion, and professionalism to support families in a way that aligns with our standards. Whether you're certified or not, we trust that with the right training, you can succeed in this field.

Here’s the bottom line: certification is a tool, not a necessity. It’s there if you want it, but it won’t make or break your career. What will? Your ability to build connections, your professionalism & reputation, and your passion for supporting clients through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

If you feel certification will give you confidence, go for it. If you’re ready to dive in without it, trust yourself. There’s no right or wrong way to do this work. You get to decide.

At National Baby Co., we’ve seen doulas rise through the ranks certified and uncertified, and we’ve built our own careers using a mix of knowledge, heart, hustle, and strategy. Whatever path you choose, just know—certification isn’t a make-or-break factor. It’s one piece of the puzzle, but ultimately, your success as a doula will depend on much more than that.

Looking for more guidance on building your doula business? We offer customized client leads, mentorship and business consulting for doulas who are ready to take their career to the next level—certified or not. Let’s connect!