DONA-Approved Birth Doula Training
Birth doula training grounded in 35+ years of experience.
Train in person with Laura DePasquale through an immersive three-day workshop focused on hands-on birth support, professional preparation, and a clear understanding of the DONA certification process.
35+
Years in Birth Work
1,000+
Births Attended
100+
Live Workshops
1,600+
Doulas Trained
Upcoming Workshops
Choose your birth doula training.
Each training button below links directly to that workshop’s live registration page.
September 18–20, 2026
Austin Birth Doula Training
Austin, Texas
$695 tuition
·
$200 deposit
·
Three days in person
- DONA-approved education
- Childbirth education for doulas
- Hands-on labor support practice
- Certification guidance
December 4–6, 2026
Boston Birth Doula Training
Boston, Massachusetts
$695 tuition
·
$200 deposit
·
Three days in person
- DONA-approved education
- Childbirth education for doulas
- Hands-on labor support practice
- Certification guidance
December 12–14, 2026
New Jersey Birth Doula Training
Morristown Area, New Jersey
$695 tuition
·
$200 deposit
·
Three days in person
- DONA-approved education
- Childbirth education for doulas
- Hands-on labor support practice
- Certification guidance
“Laura laid the foundation for the framework that has shaped my entire career as a doula.”
Emily Bodinger
Have Some Questions?
Meet Laura at the Virtual Doula Training Q&A.
October 14, 2026 · 6:30–7:30 PM Eastern · Online
Ask questions about upcoming workshops, DONA certification, becoming a doula, and what to expect from training.
Why Train With Laura
Learn from decades of real birth work.
Laura’s teaching is informed by more than 1,000 births, more than 100 live workshops, and decades of supporting families and new doulas.
The goal is to understand your role, practice your skills, and feel more prepared to support real families.
Who This Training Is For
Start where you are.
- You are exploring becoming a birth doula.
- You are beginning the DONA certification process.
- You already support families and want professional training.
- You prefer hands-on learning and discussion.
- You want to learn from an experienced birth doula trainer.
Inside the Workshop
What you will learn and practice.
Birth and the Doula’s Role
Childbirth foundations, scope, ethics, prenatal preparation, and the non-clinical role of the doula.
Labor Support
Comfort measures, movement, positioning, emotional support, and partner involvement.
Communication and Teamwork
Client voice, professional boundaries, and working alongside the birth team.
Respectful Birth Support
Cultural humility, health inequities, and respectful support across different birth experiences.
Certification and Practice
DONA certification requirements and preparation for supporting your first clients.
DONA Certification
A clear pathway to certification.
The workshop fulfills applicable DONA educational requirements. Full certification includes additional steps completed through DONA International.
STEP 01
Complete Your Workshop
Build foundational knowledge and practice birth doula skills.
STEP 02
Complete DONA Requirements
Continue required reading, experience, and documentation.
STEP 03
Begin Your Practice
Apply your education as you begin supporting families.
Continuing Education
Already working in birth? Keep building your skills.
Laura also offers live continuing education for doulas and birth professionals.
October 10, 2026 · Live Virtual
A Doula’s Guide to Supporting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Deepen your understanding of VBAC, medical considerations, preparation, communication, and evidence-informed doula support.
October 17, 2026 · Live Virtual
Lactation Class for Birth Professionals
Build a stronger foundation in lactation physiology, early feeding, common challenges, and the doula’s role in informed support and referral.
Student Experiences
What doulas say about training with Laura.
“She didn’t just teach me techniques. She taught confidence, critical thinking and how to truly show up for families.”
“Laura lit a fire in me that I didn’t know existed. I am a fully booked, successful doula and educator now.”
“When you train with Laura, you get an amazing education, a colleague, a mentor and a friend.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about birth doula training.
What is birth doula training?
Birth doula training prepares students to provide non-clinical physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Will I be DONA certified when the workshop ends?
No. The workshop fulfills applicable educational requirements, but full certification includes additional steps through DONA International.
Do I need birth experience before attending?
No previous professional birth experience is required.
How can I learn more before registering?
Attend the virtual Doula Training Q&A to meet Laura, learn more about the workshop, and ask questions.
Start Your Training
Ready to take your next step into birth work?
Choose an upcoming workshop, explore continuing education, or meet Laura first at the virtual Q&A.