A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, informational, and practical support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas do not provide medical care, perform clinical tasks, or replace healthcare providers. Instead, they work alongside the healthcare team to support families throughout their journey.

Community doulas are doulas who are trained to serve the communities they live in and understand the unique strengths, challenges, and resources within those communities. In addition to birth support, community doulas often help families navigate local resources and services throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

No. Previous healthcare or birth work experience is not required. We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds who are passionate about supporting families and improving maternal health in their communities.

The program is open to anyone interested in supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We especially encourage applications from individuals who live in Appalachian communities and reflect the populations they hope to serve.

The Appalachian Community Doula Training Program is a six-week hybrid training program that combines self-paced online learning with in-person skills sessions, virtual discussions, and hands-on experiences.

The program uses a hybrid format. Participants complete online coursework while also attending scheduled in-person skills labs and learning experiences designed to build confidence and practical skills.

Participants receive education in pregnancy, labor support, comfort measures, advocacy, postpartum support, newborn care, trauma-informed care, communication skills, community resources, business development, and Ohio Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement processes

Participants must successfully complete all required coursework, attend in-person learning sessions, complete skills assessments, submit a portfolio, pass the final examination, and meet birth attendance requirements to earn certification as a Community Doula.

Yes. The program includes supervised practicum experiences and mentorship opportunities designed to help participants apply their skills in real-world settings and build confidence as birth workers.

Graduates will be prepared to provide doula support in their communities and may pursue private practice, employment with community organizations, healthcare partnerships, or additional professional development opportunities.

Yes. Ohio Medicaid currently reimburses eligible doulas for prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum visits for Medicaid-covered families. The program includes education on Medicaid enrollment, credentialing, and billing processes.

Scholarships and workforce development funding opportunities may be available for eligible participants. Availability may vary by cohort and funding source.

Yes. Graduates will have access to ongoing mentorship opportunities, networking events, continuing education resources, and peer support through our growing Appalachian doula community.

In-person training locations include: xyz. We are always looking to expand within Southeast Ohio to ensure accessibility for participants throughout the region.

Tuition information will be provided during the application process. Our goal is to keep training accessible and affordable while connecting participants with available scholarship and funding opportunities whenever possible.

Ohio currently recognizes doulas through Medicaid enrollment and credentialing pathways, but doula certification itself is not issued directly by the State of Ohio. Graduates of the program will receive certification through the Appalachian Community Doula Training Program and guidance on Ohio Medicaid enrollment requirements.

Birth work often requires flexibility, as labor can begin at any time of day or night. The program prepares participants for the realities of on-call work and provides guidance on setting healthy boundaries and creating sustainable practices.

Absolutely. Community doulas come from many backgrounds and identities. Anyone who is passionate about supporting families and strengthening maternal health in their community is welcome to apply.

Yes. While portions of the curriculum focus on Ohio resources and Medicaid processes, the majority of the training covers universal doula skills and competencies that can be applied in many settings and states.