In-Person Doula Training: July 10 – 13, 2025

About the Training

This training is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). To be eligible to participate in this particular training, you:

• Plan to become a Michigan Medicaid doula provider.
• Are 18 years of age or above.
• Are interested in supporting women and families before, during, and after birth.
• Are a resident of the state of Michigan.
• Have not completed an MDHHS-approved birth doula training.
• Are currently not listed on the MDHHS Doula Registry as a labor/birth doula.

If you do not meet these eligibility requirements, please consider enrolling in one of our other doula trainings.

Participants will receive this training at no cost and are eligible for an MDHHS stipend upon completion of training and Post-Training Requirements, which include approximately four hours of recorded content in addition to this in-person training, Michigan Doula Registry approval, and becoming a Medicaid-enrolled doula provider.

Capacity for this training is limited. Enrollment is subject to MDHHS approval.

Training Location and Date

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Date: July 10-13, 2025

Includes:

• SMC Doula Training Manual
• Orientation Packet
• SMC Full Circle Doula Provisional Certificate (On Last Day)*
• One-Year Provisional Membership to the SMC Doula Network, for ongoing support toward full certification.*
• Certification Packet*
• Added to the Find a Doula Directory*
• Membership in the SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companions Private Facebook Group, for fun networking!*

*Based on successful completion of the training.

This is a 4-day (32-hour) in-person doula training for dual certification as a labor and postpartum doula. This training is the first step, and required, to becoming a certified SMC Full Circle Doula Companion. This is a culturally competent training that honors the legacy of the 20th-century African American midwife to improve birth outcomes, increase breastfeeding rates, and create leaders.

Training Schedule

• DAY 1 – Thursday, 8 AM – 5:30 PM: Orientation, SMC Full Circle Doula Philosophy, African American Midwives, U.S. Doula History, and Birth Stories
• DAY 2 – Friday, 8 AM – 5:30 PM: Prenatal Care, Nutrition, Herbs, Infant Mortality Prevention
• DAY 3 – Saturday, 8 AM – 5:30 PM: Labor and Delivery, Comfort Measures
• DAY 4 – Sunday, 8 AM – 5:30 PM: Postpartum and Infant Care, Breastfeeding, Creating a Doula Business

Having a dual certification as a labor and postpartum doula is crucial to providing comprehensive care to help pregnant women throughout the reproductive cycle. Furthermore, it is the chance to give comprehensive doula care when you simultaneously learn labor and postpartum skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the training based on?

Our training draws on the centuries-old traditions of African and African American midwives and healers that kept us connected to physiological birth and the joys of service to birthing women and their families. The training is based on the legacy of the 20th-century African American midwife, doula care, public health information, and research-based practices.

The training incorporates lectures, instructional materials, learner interactions, and hands-on learning opportunities to provide a truly holistic training experience.

Who are the instructors?

Instructors are SMC Certified Trainers who are veteran doulas and midwives. You can learn more here.

What books are needed to prepare for the course?

• SMC Full Circle Doula Philosophy, an abstract by Shafia Monroe
• The Doula Guide to Birth, by Ananda Lowe and Rachel Zimmerman
• Listen to Me Good, Life Story of an Alabama Midwife, by Margaret Charles Smith and Linda Janet Holmes
• Mothering the Mother, Postpartum Traditions, Recipes and Healing, by Shafia Monroe.  You can order here.

These materials are available on Amazon or possibly through your local library. All books and materials should be read before the first day of class.

Who can attend the training?

The requirements to enroll in this particular training are:

• Plan to become a Michigan Medicaid doula provider.
• Are 18 years of age or above.
• Are interested in supporting women and families before, during, and after birth.
• Are a resident of the state of Michigan.
• Have not completed an MDHHS-approved birth doula training.
• Are currently not listed on the MDHHS Doula Registry as a labor/birth doula.

SMC Doulas uses women-centered language and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations.

How much does the training cost?

This training is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and is free for eligible participants.

How does the stipend work and when will I receive it?

Participants are eligible for a stipend ($750) upon completion of this training and all Post-Training Requirements. The stipend is paid by MDHHS and not SMC Doulas. MDHHS’ current requirements include:

• Successfully completing this training.
• Completing required training evaluations.
• Completing practical series trainings as required by MDHHS.
• Applying and being approved by MDHHS for the Doula Registry.
• Enrolling as a Medicaid provider.

MDHHS will provide participants with information on how to receive this stipend.

What is the value of an SMC Doula Network Provisional Doula membership?

Membership allows access to training materials, networking, certification support, additional educational resources, and discounts on conferences and webinars. Learn more here.

Please Note: Space is limited for this training. Enrollment is “first-come, first-served.”