Online Doula Training: February 2 – March 1, 2026

About the Training

Includes:

• SMC Doula Training Manual
• Orientation Packet
• SMC Full Circle Doula Provisional Certificate*
• Certification Packet*
• One-Year Provisional Membership to the SMC Doula Network for ongoing support toward full certification*
• Added to the Find a Doula Directory*
• Membership in the SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companions Private Facebook Group*

*Based on successful completion of the training.

The SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Doula Online Training is a four-week course offering dual certification in labor and postpartum doula care. Created in 2002, the training is rooted in the legacy of 20th-century African American midwives who practiced traditional and spiritual perinatal care.

The training is designed to build capacity in the Black community, increase the number of doulas of color, and teach the midwifery model of care.

Training Schedule

Week 1: Orientation and Full Circle Doula Care
February 2 – February 8, 2026

Week 2: Pregnancy Care and Nutrition
February 9 – February 15, 2026

Week 3: Labor and Delivery
February 16 – February 22, 2026

Week 4: Postpartum Care & Entrepreneurship
February 23 – March 1, 2026

Live Zoom Classes: Wednesdays each week from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM PT

Virtual Graduation: March 6, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PT

Frequently Asked Questions

What do registered learners receive?

• Exclusive SMC Doula Training Manual
• Weekly live Zoom sessions with instructors
• Resource list
• Provisional Doula Certificate*
• Certification Packet*
• One-year provisional membership in the SMC Doula Network*
• Listing in the Find a Doula Directory*
• Access to the private SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companions Facebook Group*

*Based on successful completion of the training.

What topics are covered?

Unique topics include and extend beyond:

• Honoring the legacy of the African American midwife
• African birth traditions
• Postpartum care and belly binding
• Public health in maternal and infant health
• Improving birth outcomes
• Supporting fathers, partners, and families
• Doula history and African American doulas
• SMC Doula Scope of Care (SOC)
• Pregnancy support and nutrition
• Medical terminology
• Creating a doula business
• Working with the birth team

Who can attend the training?

To enroll, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be interested in supporting families before, during, and after birth

SMC Doulas uses women-centered language and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

How should I prepare?

Please complete the required reading before the first day of training.

Required Reading:

1. SMC Full Circle Doula Philosophy, by Shafia M. Monroe
   Download PDF (10 pages)
2. Listen to Me Good: Life Story of an Alabama Midwife, by Margaret Charles Smith and Linda Janet Holmes
3. Mothering the Mother: Postpartum Traditions, Recipes, and Healing, by Shafia Monroe
   Purchase on Amazon

Who are the instructors?

Instructors are SMC Certified Trainers who are veteran doulas and midwives. Learn more here.

When will I receive my manual?

Training manuals are shipped to the address provided at registration.
Please allow 14 business days for U.S. deliveries.
International deliveries may require an additional 7 business days.

What payment options are available?

You may pay in full or choose a weekly installment plan:

• Single payment: $1,523
• Two weekly installments: $761.50
• Three weekly installments: $507.67
• Four weekly installments: $380.75

Please Note: Registration fees must be paid at least 30 days prior to the first day of training.