About Doulas
Doulas provide professional support related to emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being to clients going through a range of life transitions.
They do this through facilitating communication between clients and other medical professionals. They help clients navigate medical systems and advocate for their needs.
Doulas often work with families seeking reproductive support (birth, miscarriage, fertility, abortion, postpartum period, etc.) to provide emotional reassurance, comfort, and information. Learn more about birth and postpartum doulas here and find full-spectrum doula info here.
Doulas do not provide medical care. They don’t diagnose, prescribe, or give medical advice.
Certification
Training and certification for the Doula profession is dependent on each state. States have taken their own approaches to doula certification requirements and many rely on independent training organizations.
Currently in the state of Wisconsin, there is no formal education requirement to become a doula. However, there are many different certifications and training available through independent organizations designed to build skills helpful for the profession:
Note: UW-Madison does not offer a doula training program. While this field is not among CPHA’s primary areas of advising expertise, we are here to support you in exploring the field and building helpful experiences. Talk with us if you have questions!
Explore Your Interest in the Doula Profession
Shadowing & Informational Interviews
Reach out to UW-Madison alum, medical student, and doula Ms. Obie Oniah (obie@harambeevillage.org) or contact full-spectrum doula, Ashley Hartman Annis (www.ashleyhartmanannis.com) to learn more about their experience as doulas.
Local Doula Community Groups
Check out a few local doula groups to learn more about the breadth of transitions doulas help pregnant people and families through: Harambee Village, Roots4Change, Madison Doula Collective, and Seasons of Life.
Associations
Although there is not an official, national Doula association, below is a list of associations that you can join.
Additional Resources
Advocacy for Expanded Doula Care Access
- Doula Medicaid Project works in partnership with community-based doula groups, doula collectives, and individual doulas to advocate for all pregnant, postpartum, and post-pregnancy people who want access to a doula can have one.
- The project highlights that there are current state efforts at expanding access to Doula care.