Birth Work Taught with Purpose

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Birth Work Taught with Purpose *

A birth doula training built for support that matters

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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.

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.

  • Equipping doulas for real-world care.

    New England Community Doula Academy- From calling to craft. Step into birth work with clarity and confidence.

  • Prepared doulas change outcomes.

    New England Community Doula Academy- From calling to craft. Step into birth work with clarity and confidence.

  • Birth doula training rooted in justice, care, and community.

    New England Community Doula Academy- From calling to craft. Step into birth work with clarity and confidence.

What You’ll Learn

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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 certification and early career steps

  • Continued connection to a growing community of doulas

Work With Us

Doula Training Investment: $1,800

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 half price 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
Training Dates:

  • Friday, October 30 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Saturday, October 31 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Friday, November 6 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Saturday, November 7 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Friday, November 13 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Saturday, November 14 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM