FAQ

A doula is a professional available to support the expecting mother during the perinatal period (pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum), providing information and empowerment for women during this transformative moment. This work involves providing personalized support and helping women gain confidence, as well as preparation throughout pregnancy, birth physiology, and postpartum, always based on scientific evidence.

A doula is a non-medical support professional whose role is to offer pregnant women emotional, physical, and informational support. While they may educate expecting parents on non-pharmacological pain management, childbirth physiology, and more, they do not perform clinical tasks, such as offering medical advice or examining clients.

A midwife, on the other hand, is a medical professional trained in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. Therefore, they are allowed to provide clinical care as a healthcare provider and administer medication.

No. A doula plays a vital role during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Their support is by no means limited to the moment of delivery. Therefore, having a doula is just as valuable and beneficial during a C-section.”

The benefits of having a doula are extensive, with numerous studies validating their importance throughout the prenatal, labor, and postpartum stages. Some key evidence-based benefits, particularly in relation to vaginal birth, include:

• 25% reduction in labor duration.
• 40% reduction in synthetic oxytocin use.
• 30% reduction in epidural use.
• 60% reduction in requests for epidural analgesia.
• 50% reduction in cesarean section rates.
• 40% reduction in forceps-assisted deliveries.
• Higher overall satisfaction with the birth experience. 
• Lower incidence of postpartum depression (PPD).

Doulas are classified according to the stage of life or reproductive event they support. The most common types include:

Birth Doula: Provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during labor and birth.

Postpartum Doula: Assists with maternal recovery, newborn care, and family adjustment after birth.

Antepartum Doula: Offers support during high-risk pregnancies or periods of medically advised bed rest.

Loss (Grief) Doula: Supports families navigating pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or neonatal loss.

Full-Spectrum Doula: Provides care across all reproductive experiences, including fertility, childbirth, pregnancy loss, and abortion.

End-of-Life Doula: Offers emotional, physical, and spiritual support to individuals near the end of life and their loved ones.

Adoption/Fertility Doula: Guides and supports families through the emotional and practical processes of fertility treatments or adoption.

No. Although traditionally seen as a female role, we understand that today anyone can be a doula regardless of their gender or personal experience. Accordingly, at US Doula Training, we welcome anyone who is determined to become a qualified doula and offer pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum support.

Yes! We offer Continuing Education and advanced training modules for experienced doulas looking to expand their skills. Whether you want to specialize in bereavement support, lactation, or the business side of doula work, our advanced curriculum is designed to keep you at the forefront of the profession.

View specialization courses

To better understand how I can support you on this journey or to answer any questions, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation.

Schedule Online: You can choose the date and time that work best for you by filling out the form at the link below:

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Yes! Our training program at US Doula is designed based on international standards of care. While we are a Brazilian-born institution with a strong presence across South America, our curriculum aligns with the core competencies required by major international organizations.

Currently, we provide a Professional Certification that proves you have completed the necessary hours of theory and practice. In the United States, doula work is a non-regulated profession, meaning you can practice with our certification. We provide all the documentation and syllabus details needed to help you seek certification alignment or local accreditation.

 Our training for the U.S. market is delivered exclusively via live online classes. This format ensures you receive high-quality, real-time instruction and support from our educators, allowing for dynamic interaction and practical learning from the comfort of your home.