You may know me as the lady who sends you email , who talks to you on the phone as part of the process of hiring a doula or registering for a childbirth class…I am that person, but I do other things too! I also own and train doulas with BEST Doula Training..

If you’re considering jumping into birth work (and you totally should), you have lots of options to consider. I certainly encourage you to check out BEST, but I also I also can provide a few questions to consider - both as you think about your goals and actual questions to ask training organizations. I’ve also mention the answers as they pertain to BEST Doula training..

Do I want to attend an in-person training or a virtual training?

Love the convenience of training from home? An online training might be for you.

However, there really is nothing like spending a weekend with other people who are passionate about the same things you are passionate about and spending a weekend learning and practicing new skills.

BEST offers both options and places a priority on building community no matter how you train . Online training is live and interactive and is woven into the in-person training.

Come to a training in a city near you…or explore a new city. The travel is a tax write off! Or join us from your PJs from a laptop at your home. Either way, it will be comprehensive training and you can leave certified.

What happens when I register?

It’s always a good question to ask, what is next? BEST offers all inclusive pricing whicih means that when you register, BEST will send you everything but books. There aren’t additional fees, membership dues etc. You will receive a 6 podcast childbirth series, a lactation training video and a “Think Log” that walks you through the podasts.

After attending the BEST workshop, you are certified.. BEST does not require certification births (read why). Want more info? There are two blogs you can read, one about in person training and the other about virtual training.

Does your training include marketing and business skills?

You can be the best in the business, but if no one finds you - it won't matter. Doulas need business skillz! BEST prepares birth workers to be fabulous doulas and smart business owners. Every BEST training includes BEST Launch so you leave your training to book a client. LLCs, EPNs, SEO etc..... Launch. covers it.

What is the total cost to be certified?

Most programs have multiple fees, so when you ask this question, make sure you get all the fees for certification and not just what it costs to attend one workshop. Membership and packet fees are common plus the cost of more classes you may be required to take. If you will need to attend unpaid births to finish your certification, also consider how much those will cost you (childcare, parking, food etc.) The answer for BEST is simple - as of 2023, the fee is $649. You can expect to spend about $50 on books on top of that, so your certification will be $700 all in. There are no extra or hidden costs..

Will your organization make me sign a non-compete?

Non competes should always raise red flags. If an organization has one, investigate thoroughly..

Who leads training?

Training is led by Maria Pokluda, me (founder of Great Expectations) and Amanda Devereux (founder of Nola Nesting, New Orleans, LA). We have decades of experience in doula work and starting and sustaining a birth business. Since we do all the training, it means a consistent, high quality training from national experts in their field.

Since Amanda and I lead all BEST doula workshops, we know everyone. No one is a random face.. We know the doulas, we have inside jokes with them and we have probably spent time discussing each doula’s goals. Mentorship is built in at every step.

When will I receive certification?

How long does the process take to have a certificate in hand? This answer will vary. Some organizations require that you take several class and bundle that paperwork into a packet that is mailed in. The wait for the packet to be reviewed can be months. BEST doulas are certified when they leave training and will receive an actual certificate in the week following training.

Can I read more about your program on your website? Can I talk to a real person on the phone?

Everyone has websites these days and a website is very helpful when getting the feel of an organization. Do you like the brand, is it updated and easy to use? Do the images on the website reflect who you wish to be as a doula?

Also important, can I reach someone on the phone or via email. Is the company responsive? You can contact BEST at hello@bestdoulatraining.com or (214) 223-0226 during normal business hours. You will receive a response in one business day or less.

Want even more doula talk? BEST runs a group on Facebook for doulas, feel free to join - it’s for everyone! Love What You DOULA

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