Get started with Doula Training Center to become a
Traditional Health Worker Doula!

2025 Fall Cohort begins September 23, 2025

Our Program…

Exceeding the 40-hour minimum contact hours required by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), our complete comprehensive training is 120 hours over the course of eight weeks.

We offer a hybrid training format, so most sessions are live virtual, with several in-person sessions, and some independent study.

Our Foundational Labor Doula Training and THW Preparation Track blends trauma-informed and cultural awareness practices and includes intra-professional collaboration to meet all the training components of the Traditional Health Worker requirements.

At the completion of Track 1, you are certified as a Labor Doula through Doula Training Center. In order to qualify for the THW Doula Program, you will need to complete Track 2 and attend three births and postpartum visits.

Track 1: Foundational Labor Doula Training - $1400*

This four week (68 hour) program is offered in a hybrid model. We meet virtually via Zoom Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5:30-8:30 pm and Fridays (or Saturdays) for three pre-scheduled in-person sessions.

Track 2: THW Preparation - $1200*

Offered consecutively, this four week (52 hour) program is offered virtually via Zoom Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5:30-8:30 pm.

Mentorship - Free!

You read that right! We do not charge additional fees for the mentorship that we provide to students post trainings.

Why? We’ve observed that less students need on-going mentorship after completing our program, and we’re able to provide personalized guidance when students reach out.

*Receive a $200 discount when registering for both tracks.

There are no additional or hidden costs like purchasing certification packets or ongoing membership dues.

As part of our commitment to ensure that students match the priority communities identified by OHA, we offer up several partial scholarships for each cohort. Scholarships may be available through other organizations like DHS or Workforce Development Organizations.

Payment plans are always available to students.

Your Commitments…

  • Attend a minimum of 90% of course sessions

  • Complete and present the final project

  • Complete Training Evaluation

  • Follow the Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice

  • Participate in doula functions with respect, compassion, and mutual effort to nourish growth

In Oregon, birth support services provided by Traditional Health Worker Doulas are covered by the Oregon Health Plan.

Steps to become a Traditional Health Worker Doula:

  • Doula Training Center is approved by the Oregon Health Authority.

  • After your training, you will need to attend three births and three postpartum visits to complete the final requirements to apply for the Traditional Health Worker Registry.

  • Once you’ve completed the prior steps and complied all the necessary information, you can submit your application to become a Traditional Health Worker Doula.

    • Once you have received your THW approval, you will need to submit an application to become an Oregon Medicaid Provider.

    • If you are contracting with a Coordinated Care Organization, you may need to become Credentialed. Each CCO may have their own process. A THW Liaison will be able to provide guidance on thsi process.

Click through the sections below for an overview of what is included in our training!

Track 1: Foundational Labor Doula Training

    • Group Introductions

    • Scope of Practice for Doulas

    • Best Practices and Ethics

    • Birth from a Cross-Cultural Lens

    • Anthropology of Childbirth

    • Historical Practices

    • Bias, Racism and Discrimination in Healthcare

    • Addressing Social Determinants of Health

    • Advocacy for Informed Policy Change

    • Quieting our Imposter Syndrome & Leading with Intuition

    • Exploring Self-Maintenance (selr-care) and Community Support

    • Physical, Emotional & Environmental Safety

    • Multidisciplinary Team Approach

    • Conflict Identification & Problem Solving

    • Perinatal Loss & Bereavement Support

    • Emotional and Psychological Support

    • Medical and Social High-Risk Situations

    • Parenting Dynamics & Client Boundaries

    • Anatomy & Physiology of Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum & Neonatal Transition

    • Birthing Methods

    • Infant Feeding Methods

    • Comfort Measures

    • Birth Plans & Empowering Tools and Techniques

    • Cross-Cultural Communication & Motivational Interviewing

    • Client Visits

    • Client Relationships and Boundaries

    • Community Resources & Referrals

    • Students will select a topic to research and present to the cohort.

    • Expand Learning on Cohort Forum

Track 2: THW Preparation

    • Group Introductions

    • Scope of Practice for THW Doulas

    • THW Doula Best Practices and Ethics

  • Expanded version of Track 1

    • Oregon’s History

    • Birth from a Cross-Cultural Lens

    • Anthropology of Childbirth

    • Historical Practices

    • Bias, Racism and Discrimination in Healthcare

    • Addressing Social Determinants of Health

    • Advocacy for Informed Policy Change

  • Expanded Version of Track 1

    • Community Engagement and Outreach

    • Community of Practice

    • HIPAA Compliance and PHI Protection

    • Client Systems

      • Client Records

      • Contracts, Forms, and Documentation

      • Care Coordination, Community Resources, and Referrals

    • Legal Responsibilities

    • Business Plans

  • Applying for the THW Registry

    • Connecting and Contracting with Coordinated Care Organizations

    • Claim Forms & Submissions

    • Claim Denials

    • Students will create a portfolio utilizing tools and resources provided in the training

    • Expand Learning on Cohort Forum

What Students Are Saying:

“The knowledge gained from this course and the amount of information taught was the most valuable. I don’t feel I would have received this much education on social determinants of health, culture, and basic maternal and fetal health in any other course.”

— 2024 Spring Cohort Student

“Oh my gosh, it's hard to choose, but probably the hands-on techniques/counter pressure, the bereavement and the business. There was so much information packed in to this class, it was so much more than I was expecting.”

— 2024 Spring Cohort Student

“All of the knowledge, being able to be in person and have those serious conversations but feeling safe to do so. Feeling secure through this course was so helpful, all the instructors really helped you feel like you belonged and that your questions were valid.”

— 2023 Spring Cohort Student

“In person classes were my favorite! Role playing and examples of potential situations were exceptionally helpful!”

— 2022 Fall Cohort Student