DONA APPROVED BIRTH DOULA TRAINING

Taught by Ana Paula Markel

Our 3 day birth doula training is all that you need to start your successful doula practice. This training is your first step in becoming a certified doula through DONA International, the leading doula organization worldwide. Our INTERACTIVE and hands-on workshop will equip you with all the tools and information you need to launch your new doula practice.

If our in person trainings don't work with your schedule, we also provide a LIVE Virtual training!
DONA International is a global organization, making our virtual training ideal for both local doulas and those not in Los Angeles who want to train with us.
Los Angeles Doula Training

Refund Policy: Our trainings are NON REFUNDABLE, buf if you are unable to attend we can transfer you to a future workshop under the following conditions: You must notify us within two week (14 days) of the workshop, and the transfer needs to be for a workshop within 6 months of the original date. This is the policy as our workshops sell out and we turn potential students away.

Upcoming Birth Doula Trainings:

Each of our DONA-approved birth doula trainings are 3 full days- meeting Friday, Saturday, & Sunday from 9am - 5pm.  

  • May 1st-3rd, 2026 *SOLD OUT* (VIRTUAL- $545) 
  • July 10th-12th, 2026 *ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT* (IN PERSON- $625) 
  • August 28th-30th, 2026 (VIRTUAL- $545)
  • September 11th-13th, 2026 (IN PERSON- $625) 
  • November 13th-15th, 2026 (IN PERSON- $625) 
  • December 4th-6th, 2026 (VIRTUAL- $545)

COST:  Includes a full three day workshop, along with the Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas course, a manual, handouts and monthly support meetings with access to your trainer and other experienced doulas. In person training also includes a full breakfast!

Payment plan available at checkout!

  • VIRTUAL: $245 non-refundable deposit & $300 due week of training
  • IN PERSON: $325 non-refundable deposit & $300 due week of training

Our online trainings are LIVE, so we will still spend all three days together, using a platform which will allow for questions and group discussions.

REGISTER NOW

To help make the process as easy as possible for our new doulas, Bini Birth also offers a FREE doula peer review meeting every month for all doulas trained through us. Peer reviews are great opportunities for continued mentorship, assistance with certification process, networking, and creating a support system with like-minded individuals.

Birth Doula Workshop topics include:

  • The role of the doula
  • Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct for doulas
  • Hands on comfort measures with time for practice and role play
  • Emotional support during pregnancy and childbirth
  • Understanding medications and medical interventions, and how a doula can help
  • How to start your doula business
  • Working with partners/dads
  • Navigating the DONA doula certification process

After your doula training:

Attendance at this workshop is the first step toward becoming a DONA International certified doula. We will discuss the certification process in its entirety during the training. There are no prequisites for this course.

We are here to help you stay on track with our FREE doula peer review meeting every month for all doulas trained through us.

MEET YOUR TRAINER: Ana Paula Markel

Ana Paula Markel is at the forefront of the doula movement not only in Los Angeles, but across California and internationally. Her workshop aims to provide you with the most current and evidence based information so you can leave feeling empowered and enlightened as you begin this new chapter as a birth doula.
Ana Paula not only mentors doulas during the three day workshops, but throughout a new doula's entire certification process and early days of finding clients.
Ana Paula Markel DONA Doula Trainer
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birth doula certification training
DONA Birth Doula Training Workshop Los Angeles Bini Birth
Q: Is this a basic training? Can anybody take this class?

Yes. This is a basic doula training. We include an “Intro to Childbirth for Coulas” in the curriculum.

Q: Are there prerequisites?

It is recommended that you read The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin before attending the course.

Q: What is certification process like? Will I be certified after this course?

This workshop is DONA Approved. You will be ready to start working as a doula after the training, though if you want to be a DONA certified doula there are a few more steps.

We go through the certification process with DONA International in detail during the course.

We will also provide you with certification support after the training.

Q: How much does it cost and what is included?

The training costs $595 per participant.

It includes a DONA International manual, resources and hand-outs.

A nutritious breakfast is provided every day along with delicious snacks throughout the day.

One of the biggest benefits of our program is the support we offer doulas after the training. It sets our program apart from others. This includes mentorship from Ana Paula and other experienced doulas, a closed email list, and monthly meetings at BINI.

Q: Are babies welcome?

Absolutely. We welcome lap and breastfeeding babies in our training. We have plenty of space and loving arms to help you.

Q: How do I sign up?

Join the movement to support families & their journey into parenthood.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR DOULA TRAINING TODAY