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Holistic Beginnings

DONA-Approved Birth Doula Training

Birth doula training grounded in 35+ years of experience.

Train in person with expert Laura DePasquale through a three-day workshop focused on hands-on skills, professional preparation and DONA certification guidance.


3-Day In-Person Workshop


$695 Tuition


$200 Seat Deposit


No Previous Birth Experience Required

35+
Years in Birth Work
1,000+
Births Attended
100+
Live Workshops
1,600+
Doulas Trained

Upcoming Workshops

Choose your birth doula training.

Select your city to review the full workshop schedule, policies and registration details.

September 2026
18-20

Austin Birth Doula Training

Austin, Texas
$695
Tuition
$200
Deposit
3 Days
In Person
  • DONA-approved education
  • Hands-on labor support practice
  • Childbirth education for doulas
  • Certification guidance


View Austin Training

See schedule and registration details.

December 2026
4-6

Boston Birth Doula Training

Boston, Massachusetts
$695
Tuition
$200
Deposit
3 Days
In Person
  • DONA-approved education
  • Hands-on labor support practice
  • Childbirth education for doulas
  • Certification guidance


View Boston Training

See schedule and registration details.

December 2026
12-14

New Jersey Birth Doula Training

Morristown Area, New Jersey
$695
Tuition
$200
Deposit
3 Days
In Person
  • DONA-approved education
  • Hands-on labor support practice
  • Childbirth education for doulas
  • Certification guidance


View New Jersey Training

See schedule and registration details.

“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.

Ask questions about the workshop, DONA certification and what it is like to begin working as a birth doula.


Register for the next Q&A

Virtual Doula Training Q&A
September 9, 2026
6:30 PM ET
Online
Bring your questions

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.

The three-day workshop combines birth education, hands-on practice and professional preparation.

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.

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.”

Amanda Partain

“Laura lit a fire in me that I didn’t know existed. I am a fully booked, successful doula and educator now.”

Tia Middleton, CD, CCCE

“When you train with Laura, you get an amazing education, a colleague, a mentor and a friend.”

Erin Ronder Neves

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 or meet Laura first at the September virtual Q&A.