Birth Doula Training Rooted in Community
40+ Hour In-Person Doula Training Program
The New England Community Doula Academy offers a comprehensive, 40-hour, in-person training designed to prepare the next generation of compassionate, skilled, and community-centered doulas.
This curriculum is proudly included on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) pre-approved training list for the Doula Certification Program—ensuring trainees receive education that meets statewide standards for professional practice.
This curriculum prepares you to show up as a skilled, thoughtful, and community-centered doula. You’ll leave with both the practical tools and critical awareness needed to support families and advocate for better birth experiences.
New England Community Doula Academy is proud to carry forward the 30-year legacy of Lorenza Holt—whose mentorship and collaboration have helped shape this curriculum—continuing her commitment to preparing doulas to support families during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Hi, I’m Shantel- Your Friendly Neighborhood Doula Trainer
“I am an experienced community doula based in Central Massachusetts, dedicated to advancing equitable and community-centered birth support. In addition to working directly with families, I have played an active role in mentoring and supporting doulas entering the field. This training reflects both my hands-on experience and my commitment to growing a strong, well-prepared doula workforce. It formalizes the teaching and mentorship I have already been offering, creating a structured pathway for doulas to learn, grow, and serve with purpose.”
Why Become a Doula?
Doula training is more than a professional pathway—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
As a doula, you can:
Provide emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing people and families
Help improve birth outcomes and experiences
Advocate for respectful and informed care
Build a flexible and fulfilling career in perinatal health
Become a trusted resource within your community
Whether you’re called to birth work professionally or as an extension of your community care, this training provides the foundation to begin.
Our Core Values
At New England Community Doula Academy, our work is grounded in:
Birth Equity & Justice
We believe all birthing people deserve respectful, culturally responsive care. We center the needs of marginalized communities and work toward eliminating disparities in maternal health.
Sustainability & Support
We are committed to nurturing doulas beyond training—through mentorship, connection, and ongoing professional development.
Community-Centered Care
Birth and birth work does not happen in isolation. We uplift community wisdom, honor lived experiences, and train doulas to serve within and alongside their communities.
Education as Empowerment
Knowledge is a tool for advocacy and transformation. Our curriculum equips trainees with both practical skills and critical understanding of the systems shaping maternal health. We train doulas to provide nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and client-centered support across all birth experiences.
Mentorship & Support
We believe learning doesn’t end when training does.
All trainees will have access to:
Mentorship opportunities
One-on-one support as you begin your doula journey
Guidance navigating MassHealth and/or MA DPH certification and early career steps
Continued connection to a growing community of doulas
What You’ll Learn
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Explore the role of the doula, including core responsibilities, boundaries, ethics, and professionalism. This section clarifies how doulas support clients while working collaboratively within a larger care team.
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Examine the shift from community-based birth to institutionalized care and how this history shapes current practices. This topic provides important context for understanding trust, autonomy, and disparities in today’s maternal health system.
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Develop skills to support clients from pregnancy to postpartum through education, emotional support, and preparation for parenthood. This includes building a support village, discussing preferences, and helping clients feel informed and empowered.
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Gain hands-on experience with comfort measures, positioning, and partner support strategies for labor and birth. This section focuses on practical tools to promote comfort, confidence, and continuous support.
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Understand the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur after birth. Learn how to support recovery, infant feeding, and the overall transition into early parenthood.
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Build effective communication skills to support client autonomy and informed decision-making. This topic also explores how to help clients navigate healthcare systems and advocate for their needs.
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Learn how to provide respectful, client-centered care that honors diverse identities and lived experiences. This section emphasizes awareness, self-reflection, and approaches that promote safety and trust.
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Gain tools to launch and sustain your doula career, including business basics, client relationships, and professional growth. This section helps trainees move from training into practice with clarity and confidence.
How to Apply for Doula Training
Our application process is designed to ensure that this training is the right fit for you—and that you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
#1: Submit Your Application
Begin by completing our application questionnaire. This helps us learn more about your background, your interest in birth work, and your goals as a future doula.
After reviewing your application, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a phone interview. This conversation is an opportunity for us to connect more deeply, answer your questions, and ensure that this training aligns with your needs, values, and readiness.
#2: Phone Interview
Applicants who are accepted into the program will be invited to officially enroll. At this stage, payment is due to secure your spot in the training.
#3: Enrollment & Registration
Once enrolled, you will receive your course syllabus, training manual, and all necessary materials to begin your journey. From there, you’ll join a community of learners committed to supporting families.
#4: Begin Your Training Journey
Doula Training Investment $1,300
More than training—this is transformation.
Your investment includes:
40+ hours of in-person instruction
Comprehensive handouts and training materials
Access to curated birth doula resources to jumpstart your career
Interactive, multi-style learning sessions
Guest instructors with experience as birth workers and educators
Limited equity seats are available at a discount to support access for those with financial need.
Training Dates & Location
This in-person format allows for deep connection, hands-on learning, and community building among trainees
Location: Worcester, MA | Main South
Training Dates:
Friday, October 30 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 31 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, November 6 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, November 7 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, November 13 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, November 14 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Doula Trainer Collaborators
Doula training is community work
Meet NECDA colleagues and fellow educators
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Lorenza Holt
RETIRED DOULA TRAINER & MATERNAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
Lorenza Holt has a master’s in public health degree with a concentration in maternal and child health. She has been a birth advocate in the Boston, Massachusetts, USA area for 30 years. She is a former Spinning Babies® Approved Trainer and a DONA Approved Birth Doula Trainer. -
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Adwapa Asenso
DOULA TRAINER
Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Infant and Toddler Sleep Coach, and Placenta Preparation Specialist. Owner of DoudouKare. -
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Stephanie Crawford
DOULA TRAINER
Early Childhood Educator, Author, Doula, Maternal Health Advocate, and owner of Belle Joie Family Education Center. -
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Shari McBurney
DOULA TRAINER
Certified Childbirth Trainer and Educator, Doula, Spinning Babies® Parent Educator, and Founder and Lead Faculty for Evolution Perinatal Education Collaborative. -
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Vanessa Gomes
DOULA TRAINER
Birth Doula, Maternal Health Educator, Doula Organization Founder, and Leader of Origem Doulas.
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Laura Pichardo
DOULA TRAINER
Experienced Doula, Lactation Councilor, Maternal Health Advocate, and Leader of World Born Doula.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you feel called to support birthing people, advocate for better care, and be part of a movement to transform maternal health—this training is for you.