DONA-approved Birth Doula Training Application with Nikia Lawson

Discover Your Path to Becoming a Certified Birth Doula

Birth Doula Training Dates: June 2026 (Will Get Back on Finalized Dates)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, March 2nd

Register by March 2, 2026 for access to the Kangaroo Birthing & Maternity Birth Doula Training with Nikia Lawson! All registration includes digital training manual, access to the supplemental Digital Resource Library for 2 weeks. You will also have access to free, comprehensive, community childbirth education.

1.) Birth Doula Certification Bootcamp (6 weeks)
Establishes a strong foundation in doula standards of care, professional responsibilities, and evidence-based practices.

2.) Virtual Education with Nikia Lawson
Students will complete both a Lactation Education Course and a Childbirth Education Course, equipping you with essential knowledge to meet the needs of families holistically.

3.) Skill-Building Workshops
Students will engage in targeted sessions that prepare them for real-world practice, including a Comfort Measures Class (hands-on labor support techniques) and a Mini Business Bootcamp (tools for building and sustaining a doula practice).Buisness Foundations, Guidance through the credentialing processInsurance and Medicaid billing readiness

The Mandatory Nikia Lawson's Community Childbirth Education (CBE) 4-part series is held online monthly. This CBE series satisfies the DONA birth certification requirement: Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas. You are strongly encouraged to take the Childbirth Education series BEFORE this birth doula training.

Upcoming Dates Are TBD. We will email you with the dates upcoming!

This 12-hr online, interactive, workshop is available to birth professionals and pregnant people all over the globe. This workshop is FREE and will include breaks.

Be prepared to learn during the (CBE) Training:
~ Issues that are common and normal in late pregnancy.
~ The anatomy of pregnancy, sign and stages of labor and the warning signs for premature labor.
~ Medical interventions like: epidural anesthesia, medical pain management and medication options.
~ How you to establish a support team.
~ How to use basic relaxation techniques, comfort measures and some breathing techniques.
~ Aspects of cesarean delivery.
~ Postpartum hospital care and postpartum home care.
~ How to prepare for your hospital stay and general hospital protocols.

DONA membership is encouraged, but not required. If you choose to pursue certification, you will also receive access to mentorship on your path to full DONA International Certification: CD(DONA). Get more information at: www.dona.org

You’ll receive a confirmation email with additional information and instructions after you register. Thank you!

Please complete all information below:

Name

Mr./Mrs./Ms.First NameLast Name

E-mail

Phone

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Please write a short paragraph that outlines why you would like to become a birth doula. Please include a few words on how you plan to use doula training to improve health outcomes using education and support in a minority community of Pittsburgh?

What impact would this training have on you, your work, or your community? Also, What certifications or trainings have you completed or done already?

Do you have any specific barriers or commitments that would hinder your growth or commitment in birthwork?

Can you describe your family support system in one or two sentences?

Do you have reliable car and/or access transportation?

How would you like to receive your training manual?

Are you a current member of DONA International? (Encouraged; not required.)

Please attach your resume and one reference letter. This can be a family member, friend, colleague, etc. This is not required, but highly preferred.

June 2026: DONA Birth Doula Training Application