Doula Control On A National Level

It is happening again... A group of non-doulas, called the National Doula Certification Board is trying to take control of the doula profession on a national level. They don't know or understand doula work, yet they are trying to set themselves up as the authority of our profession. They want to require 200 hours of training,  75hrs of unpaid hands-on clinical experience in a medical facility with a qualified healthcare provider (RN, BSN, CPM, CNM, OBGYN), and an exam. This is crazy and unnecessary. Doulas are not medical professionals. Their focus is empowerment and education.

We’re calling on all doulas, birthworkers, advocates, and aligned organizations to stand with us against an emerging threat to doulas.

This moment demands you act today.

The National Doula Certification Board (NDCB) is attempting to establish itself as the national authority on doula certification—imposing costly, top-down standards that strip doulas of autonomy, erase cultural and ancestral knowledge, and prioritize profits over people. Read their certification requirements to see for yourself.

This isn’t equity. It’s extraction.

We believe that

1. Doulas deserve respect and autonomy—not regulation without representation

2. Cultural wisdom must be honored—not erased for compliance

3. Policy should protect—not profit off our care

   
   

If you believe in community-based, culturally-rooted doula care:

Sign and share National Health Law demand letter today.

Your voice is crucial in this movement. Together, we can ensure that doula care remains community-led and culturally grounded.

#DoulasAreNotForSale #BMHW25

Here is info from National Doula Certification Board:

The Certified Professional Doula (CPD) is trained through two pathways including pre-approved training programs or an individual/prior learning pathway.

➢ Pathway 1: Approved Training Program Pathway Current training organizations with approved programs that meet all the requirements: • Allo Doula Academy’s CPD Training Course

➢ Pathway 2: Prior Learning/Individual Learning Pathway This Pathway requires each person to complete Part 1 and Part 2: Part 1-Training Requirements: The individual must complete a minimum of combined 200hrs of training (with proof of completion, within the last 4 years) in the following topic areas:

• Prenatal/pregnancy support

• Fertility/Infertility

• Labor support

• Postpartum support

• End of life support

• Business

• Infant Feeding

• Maternal Mental Health (non-clinical)

• Newborn care

• Newborn and Infant development

• Diversity and Cultural sensitivity

• HIPAA

• Personal Safety

Part 2 - Clinical experience requirements: The individual must complete a minimum of 75hrs of hands-on clinical experience in a medical facility with a preceptor. The preceptor must be a qualified healthcare provider (RN, BSN, CPM, CNM, OBGYN), and the preceptor must agree to the preceptor requirements and hold the responsibility of validating the clinical experience.

The clinical experience must be non-compensated and include:

• 75 hours total contact hours (55 in medical facility, 20 in-home)

• 5 live births

• Postpartum support (in home) 20 hours

• Adherence to medical protocols

The Certified Professional Doula (CPD) Certification is awarded to candidates that demonstrate successful completion of all requirements for initial certification, including successful passing of 80% or higher on the CPD Certification Exam. The CPD certification is valid for three (3) years and may be renewed every subsequent three years if conditions are met. The initial certification application and exam do require separate fees. The Certified Professional Doula credential was created to help raise the level of professionalism, preparedness, knowledge, and skill in this field. The CPD Certification is meant to set a new standard for and regulation of the doula profession.

Discipline

The following list of misconduct are violations of this code and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if a doula is found in violation. This list is not exhaustive, and the National Doula Certification Board has the final authority for evaluating questionable behaviour.

• Unauthorized access to medical facility or organizational computers, documents, files, supplies or any other area not pertinent to certified doula practice.

• Conduct that restricts or prevents staff, faculty, or other medical personnel from performing their duties.

• Inappropriate language, abusive language or derogatory language used at any time towards clients, care team members or fellow doulas.

• Any action or behaviour that is an unreasonable interference with the environment or the rights of others. Examples may include, but are not limited to HIPAA violations, theft, violence, violations of local, state or federal law, medical facility regulations or false representation.

• Any action or behaviour that negatively impacts the health and welfare of others.

• Any behaviour that reflects poorly on the National Doula Certification Board, the CPD credential or the doula profession.

• Violation of confidentiality.

• Arguing or interfering with care providers, staff, clients, friends or family.

• Misrepresentation or misuse of the CPD credentials.

Doulas shall refrain from engaging in arguments, conflict or anything that could be viewed as disruptive behaviours. If doulas find themselves in a situation that is escalating towards conflict, it is the doula’s responsibility to remove themselves politely and professionally.