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Frequently Asked Questions
For the Doulas
Is doula certification required?
Yes, certification is required for credentialling, but there are several options. You must either be fully certified or in the process of getting your certification. See the Pathways to Credentialling page for more information.
Am I required to complete documentation?
Yes, you are required to document all communications with the pregnant person. All documentation will be electronic. You will be given access and trained on an EMR (electronic medical record) system
Will I have a back up doula?
Yes, each birth will be assigned a back up doula that is credentialed by The Doula Exchange.
What if the birth process takes longer than expected?
We want you to always feel safe. If you can no long physically support that client, you can call in a back up. You will only be compensated for the percentage of time you were present during active labor. If this was a qualifying birth for you, it will NOT count if you do not attend the actual birth.
Do I need liability insurance?
Yes. All doulas must be included in the practice group liability insurance.
Is this a job with benefits?
No. If selected, you will considered an independent contractor; there are no employee benefits, guaranteed earnings, no guaranteed hours, or assignments. You will receive a 1099 at the end of the year.
I am not trained, but I want to be a doula with The Doula Exchange. What are my options?
If selected, you will be considered an aspiring doula with "conditional credentials." While training and certification are required, we are here to assist you with that process. We will be offering DONA International training and a pathway to certification. If you choose not to pursue a DONA International certification, you will still have the opportunity to join our team. It is anticipated that sometime in 2025, we will also be accepting training from other recognized organizations. You are welcome to seek training and certification through one of these organizations (TBD), and we will still assist you with the births that would help you qualify for certification. Additional details about the approved organizations will be provided on the Pathways to Credentialing page in the coming months.
Do I need a computer?
All documentation is done electronically, so you will need some form of an electronic device, i.e., a Mac or PC computer or an iPad. Unfortunately, our EMR system can not convert to tablet, android, or iPhone platforms.
If I take the in house training, what professional organization will I receive my certification from?
If you receive a scholarship or choose to participate in our optional doula training, you will be engaging with a program based on DONA International training modules and their requirements. We have enriched the curriculum by incorporating cultural humility throughout all modules, ensuring a more inclusive and comprehensive learning experience.
How long will it take for me to be a certified birth doula?
If you choose to take the in-house training, the didactic portion of the training consists of three days of in-person sessions, complemented by a four-week live virtual component. The practical portion can be completed in as little as 30 days, though it typically takes around 3 to 4 months, depending on birth assignments. While I don’t anticipate it taking this long, please be aware that the entire process—from training to certification—could take up to 6 months or more.
When will I receive my certificates of attendance?
Once you have completed all of the requirements and are ready to submit your certification application, you will receive your certificates of completion.
When I finish the 3 day course am I certified as a Doula?
No, finishing the course satisfies the basic didactic education requirements. DONA International requires additional self guided assignments, readings and 3 qualifying births before you can apply for certification.
As an aspiring doula, scholarship, or non-scholarship holder, will I get paid for any pregnant people I support?
As an aspiring doula and scholarship recipient, you have a responsibility and obligation, to complete the requirements for a DONA International certification, including competing the qualifying births, completing the certification application, submit for and obtain birth doula certification. These requirements are in exchange of a full tuition scholarship. Once your obligations are met, all invoices for any births done under “conditional credentials” will be paid out. This condition is to better ensure you fulfill all of the requirements. We want to make sure you are fully committed and that you really want to do this work.
As an aspiring non-scholarship doula, if you wish, The Doula Exchange can assist you in obtaining the necessary births required for certification. In exchange for this support, you will be granted "conditional credentials" and will need to adhere to the same conditions for payment.
Do I have to find my own births for certification?
You can but we will assist you with BCBS of NC FEP pregnant members. You will be put on a list by region, county and areas you wish to serve. The clients will have the opportunity to select you to be their doula.
Can a pregnant friend or relative be one of my births?
The answer is both yes and no. You can certainly support your friend or family member without any restrictions or additional conditions. However, this program is specifically designed for BCBS of NC FEP members. While we anticipate that other BCBS service lines may join the program in the future, currently, your relative must have BCBS of NC and be an FEP member to participate. They will need to contact their case manager for pre-approval of their benefits before you can proceed. If your relative does not have BCBS FEP coverage, you are still welcome to support them, and while this could count toward your required births, please note that you will not be compensated for that birth through our organization.
Where will the births take place?
While doulas can assist a labor at any location, for the sake of this member covered benefit most of the births will be at a hospital and occasionally we may have a person scheduled to give birth at one of the few free standing birthing center in North Carolina. At this time BCBS of NC does not offer home birth as a member covered benefit, thus doula service will not be covered for members that choose to have a home birth. Pre authorization is critical, as different service lines have different benefits.
No. Your newly gained knowledge can be a part of the doula service that you offer, but not as a separate billable item. This training offers an introduction course in childbirth education and lactation for doulas. You would need to have take an additional in-depth childbirth education or lactation certification course in order to charge for them but you will be able to offer and charge for your labor support services.
At the end of the training will I be able to offer and charge for childbirth education or lactation support?
Am I required to be COVID vaccinated?
Am I required to wear a mask?
No, you are no longer required to be vaccinated or boosted. While the CDC has relaxed many preventative measures, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 remains an active communicable respiratory disease, with new strains on the rise. As a doula, you play a vital role in the perinatal care team and will be in close contact with the laboring person, their partner, and their infant.
It is collectively our responsibility to protect ourselves from any communicable diseases that the birthing person or their families may carry. Until COVID-19 is eradicated, while vaccination is no longer mandated, the vaccine and the use of PPE remain our best defenses.
No. Although the CDC, our local medical officials and and many North Carolina hospitals have relaxed the mask requirements, they still say for the best protection you should wear a mask, especially if other people are not vaccinated or you don’t know if they are vaccinated. The client or their family could unknowing be infected and bring covid to the hospital with them. So, protect yourself by wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose is still the best defense.
As Doulas you will always be closer than 6 feet away from the birthing person. Birthing people find it very difficult to wear a mask while pushing. So we must be diligent about doing everything to protect everyone, especially ourselves and our own families.