Doulas who train with Natural Resources get additional benefits beyond their first rate education. Since we work directly with expecting & new families we are in a unique position to help you connect with those looking for support. 

Our new Doulas receive:



• Access to free marketing via a listing on our Resource Directory for one year or until they are charging market rate for their services.


• Invitations to networking events.


• Reduced Professional Membership fees.
• Priority access to parent/doula meet & greet events.
• Direct connections to parents looking for doulas.

• And more.

The training fee includes ALL class instruction including supplemental classes.  All of the classes required for certification are included in this price. There is a one-time $75 processing fee when you submit your certification requirements. No other fees are required.... Ever!

Yes! We offer an "early bird" discount for those who pay in full 6 or more weeks before the training begins. We also offer the option to pay in 2 installments. Final payment is due 1 week prior to the start date.  Payments are non-refundable. Regular cancellation policy terms apply. A limited number of scholarships are available for those who need them.

Yes! Most Doulas are able to establish their practice immediately following the completion of the training. All Doulas have different lifestyles and personal responsibilities and are able to find balance between their unique needs and their work life, while supporting themselves financially.

Our Birth Doula Training includes 35 hours of classroom instruction.  26 hours of core training taught by Tracy Massillon & Michelle Welborn &  9 hours of supplemental class taught by experts in their fields.

We cover a broad range of topics including:

•. The Birth Doula’s Scope of Practice

• Overview of the normal labor process and the Doula’s role

• Common interventions and alternatives

• Comfort measures for labor

• Supporting the new family during the first hours after birth

• Common newborn procedures

• Professional development including contracts, fees, networking, and marketing

• Supplemental Class: Doula From Within\

• Supplemental Class: Mind Body Spirit Connection

• Supplemental Class: Labor Support Massage

Our Postpartum Doula Training includes 22 hours of classroom instruction. 16 hours of "core" training taught by Tracy Massillon &  6 hours of supplemental class taught by experts in their fields. 

We cover a broad range of topics including:

• The Postpartum Doula’s Scope of Practice

• The physical and emotional transition to motherhood

• Facilitating family bonding

• Establishing breastfeeding and common challenges

• Newborn care and behavior

• Professional development including contracts, fees, networking, and marketing

• Supplemental Class: Newborn Sleep

• Supplemental Class: Perinatal Nutrition

We strongly recommend you become certified.  While there  are no government or health agencies who oversee Doula certification it is community and professional standard that a Doula will receive a thorough and robust training and complete certification requirements. Doing so demonstrates a level of professionalism, responsibility and reliability. 

After your Core Doula Training, you have 2 years to complete the Certification Requirements.

Birth Doula Certification Requirements - NEED NEW LINK
Postpartum Doula Certification Requirements - NEED NEW link

Upon completion of the requirements, you will take a brief, proctored exam. Once you are certified with Natural Resources, you are certified for life.  There is a one-time $75 processing fee when you submit your certification requirements. No other fees are required.... Ever!

Natural Resources is an independent institution that has supported families through the journey to parenthood since 1988 and trained doulas since 1989. Natural Resources was the first organization to start training Doulas in the Bay Area. Our trainings provide the Doula with a comprehensive foundation to provide compassionate and evidence-based support with the goal of empowering new families to make the best decisions for them and their children.

Yes! Even, INTERnational certification! There are no government or health agencies who oversee Doula certification. It is community and professional standard that a Doula will receive a thorough and robust training and complete certification requirements. Doing so demonstrates a level of professionalism, responsibility and reliability.

After completing your Core Doula Training, you have 2 years to complete the Certification Requirements. You can work at your own pace during that time.

Once you are certified with Natural Resources, you are certified for life. For those who would like to continue to build on their knowledge and expertise, we offer Advanced Doula classes, an Advanced Doula Certification, a Doula Support Circle, and Annual Doula Networking Events.

Much as the Doula provides continuous support to her clients, we provide continuous support for the Doulas trained at Natural Resources. We offer a variety of classes which will allow the Doula to continue to grow as a professional:

Advanced Doula classes

Advanced Doula Certification

Monthly Doula Support Circle

Annual Doula Networking Events

We discuss this question thoroughly during our training. Additionally, we will provide you with multiple ways to connect with potential clients including a FREE listing in NR Resource Directory & access to families looking for contact through the Natural Resources "Find a Doula" NEEDS NEW LINK service.