Experienced Birth Doula CAB Certification Requirements
Maybe you haven’t needed or wanted to certify but now with private companies offering reimbursement that requires certification, it is time Or maybe you are not feeling like your current certifying organization is the right fit for you. Also, we are thrilled that CAB is now a recognized Doula Certifying Organization in the State of MN which means CAB Certification qualifies to join the State of MN Doula Registry.
We are excited you are here and we have a pathway for you to become a Certified CAB Doula!
Contact us with questions after reviewing the following information and requirements depending on the number of births you have attended as a birth doula.
Pathway if you previously trained or certified with a different organization
Complete the 3-day CAB Doula Training Weekend We know you have taken training but it’s important to participate LIVE in CAB Doula Training Weekend. There are different requirements depending on how many births you have attended. Since CAB will be your Doula Certifying Organization, it is important for you to train with us especially related to sections on Racism, Bias and Microaggressions in birthwork for BIPOC and LGBTQIA families, Advocacy, Backup/Partnering and ‘It’s not about you’. PreWork for Training Weekend is required and includes self-study and online modules. Please note that we have tiered pricing. There are no CAB fees for Recertification after your initial certification.
Sign the CAB Professional Standards, Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice. We complete this during Doula Training
Complete a full Childbirth Education Series (8-12 hours) OR Submit certificate from a CBE series you have taken/audited within the past 3 years OR Submit certification that you are a Childbirth Educator OR Submit documentation that you have attended 50 or more births. If completing a CBE we offer Evidence Based Birth®️ Childbirth Class with Rhonda & Heather Christine
Complete a Lactation Class/Series for Birthworkers at least 6 hours OR Submit certificate from other lactation certifications ie/CLC or CLEC etc We recommend CAB Lactation for Birthworkers
Participate in the CAB Mentorship Program OR Submit documentation you have attended 50 or more births OR Submit documentation you are an active doula and have worked as a birth doula for over 2 years. Mentorship was an aspect we felt was missing from doula training and we highly recommend the program (CAB mentorship program $245)
UP TO DATE CPR Training that includes BLS (Basic Life Support) for infants/children and/or NRP training.
Read “My Grandmother’s Hands” Submit a reflection written (500-750 words) or verbally
Read a postpartum book and submit a sample postpartum planning sheet you would prepare for a family. Examples of postpartum books include: “The Fourth Trimester,” “First Forty Days,” “This Isn’t What I Expected,” ,“Awake at 3 A.M.’
Self Reflection/Essay Discuss the concept: “It’s Not About You” as it relates to doula support and include elements about what advocacy can look like as well. Submit written or verbally.
Resource List Create or submit a list of at least 30 resources for birthing persons, in a format that can be shared virtually (can be done as a collaborative effort with fellow doulas)
30 minute Meeting (Zoom/In-person) with CAB Trainer to discuss final readiness for certification, after all above requirements are met. Pay $45 Certification Fee
**All books listed above can be found through the Hennepin County Public Library System
**Books in italics are also available on Audible. If reading and writing are a barrier for any reason, contact us for other options, such as having a conversation instead of writing a reflection.
Certification and ReCertification is valid for 3 years. Recertification requires a 1:1 (Zoom or InPerson) with HC or Rhonda and submission of three continuing education classes/series (10-15 hours) completed during the past 3 years. No fee for recertification.
