FAQ

We currently offer five certification pathways:

• Community Perinatal Doula Certification

• Advanced Birth Doula Certification

• Postpartum Doula Certification

• Newborn Care Specialist with Basic Lactation Support Certification

• Perinatal Support Specialist Designation (earned after completing all pathway certifications)

A Perinatal Support Specialist is the special designation earned by students who complete all of our pathway certifications. It reflects comprehensive preparation to support families across the full season, from pregnancy education to birth support to postpartum recovery and early newborn care, while staying within a non-medical scope and referring out when needs require specialized or licensed care.

Many students pursue this designation because it gives them the deepest level of understaning and skill, allowing them to serve families with continuity, and helps them build a well-rounded perinatal ministry or professional practice.

All courses are 100% virtual and asynchronous, which means you can complete the training on your own schedule from anywhere. 

Each course includes video lectures, printable handouts, quizzes, and practical projects designed to translate directly into real-life ministry or professional services. 

No. We focus on skills-based learning and practical ministry-ready projects rather than book reports. 

Assignments include quizzes, guided projects (such as building a community resource guide and an online portfolio), and occasional short self-recorded videos to demonstrate key support skills (Field Projects). 

No. But, you do have to pass each lesson's quiz with a score of 80% or better and complete the field projects with a score of 80% or better. You do have opportunity to resubmit your work, as mastery is expected to earn certification.

No. There are no required births to attend and no requirement to support real clients during training. Our goal is to help you earn certification first so you can begin gaining experience sooner, rather than having your training stretch out for years. Some organizations only require a 15 hour training component while requiring you to attend 45 hours worth of community births. Instead, we give you the 45 hours of additional training, so that YOU are equipped to support your first clients (and get paid!).

No, we do not discriminate on any basis for doing this program. All students from various philosophies are welcome. But, our training is rooted in a Christian philosophy. Our curriculum is culturally compassionate and evidenced-based. But we will NOT be teaching New Age techniques (hypnosis, yoga positions, placenta eating, etc.) that conflict with our Christian philosophy.

Because Community Perinatal Doula is the foundation for everything we do. It trains you to support the whole perinatal journey with education-led care, strong communication, clear scope boundaries, and resource navigation, so you can serve families with continuity and confidence. Advanced Practice Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Newborn Care Specialist build on that foundation by adding deeper, role-specific skills. Starting with the same core training also means every graduate shares a consistent standard of professionalism, referrals, and client support.