Becoming a doula in Illinois is a fulfilling career path that allows you to support families through some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Whether you're drawn to birth work, postpartum care, or supporting individuals through loss, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Choose Your Doula Specialty
Before starting your training, it's important to identify which type of doula best matches your interests and strengths. There are several paths within the doula profession, and understanding these can help you focus your learning and future services: Doulas offer various types of support, so it's essential to decide which area aligns with your interests:
- Birth Doula: Provides support during labor and delivery.
- Postpartum Doula: Assists families in the weeks following childbirth.
- Antepartum Doula: Supports individuals with high-risk pregnancies before birth.
- Bereavement Doula: Offers care during pregnancy loss or infant death.
✅ Tip for Illinois Residents: Consider the birth trends in your community. For example, rural areas in southern and central Illinois may need more birth doulas who are willing to travel, while urban centers like Chicago and its surrounding suburbs often see higher demand for postpartum doulas, multicultural support, and doulas familiar with hospital-based births.
Step 2: Select a Certification Program
While Illinois does not require doulas to be certified, earning a certification can make you more marketable, build your credibility, and help you connect with hospitals, birth centers, and families who prefer working with certified professionals.
Here are two widely recognized options:
• DNT Network
DNT Network offers an $99 affordable, modern, and inclusive doula certification program designed to prepare you for real-world doula work. Their program is 100% online and includes:
- In-depth training on pregnancy, labor support, postpartum care, and client advocacy
- A structured curriculum developed by experienced professionals
- Certification requirements including:
- Final exam
- Practical assessment
- Doula interview
- Parent interview
- Two letters of recommendation
Cost: $99 – all-inclusive (no hidden fees). DNT Network is a great option for Tennesseans looking for a flexible, cost-effective, and comprehensive training program.
• DONA International
DONA is one of the most established certifying organizations. Their training includes:
- A DONA-approved workshop
- Required reading and coursework
- Hands-on experience supporting birthing individuals
- Certification processing and membership fees
Cost: Typically ranges from $1,000–$1,200 depending on training location and format
Note: DONA has a strong reputation, but its higher price point and more rigid structure may not be ideal for everyone.
🗒️ Other options to explore: CAPPA, ProDoula, and ICEA also offer respected training programs if you are looking for specific teaching styles, specializations, or regional instructors.
Step 3: Complete the Required Training and Certification Steps
Once you’ve selected a certification program, the next step is to fulfill all the training requirements. These may vary by organization, but a comprehensive doula training experience usually includes:
✅ Classroom or Online Instruction
You’ll learn topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology of childbirth
- Stages of labor and interventions
- Comfort techniques and emotional support
- Postpartum recovery and newborn care
- Ethics, boundaries, and client communication
✅ Practical Training
You may be required to:
- Attend a certain number of births (for birth doulas)
- Support families during the postpartum period (for postpartum doulas)
- Complete case studies or reflective journals
- Role-play scenarios such as handling hospital communication or providing virtual support
✅ Final Evaluation
Most programs require a combination of:
- Written exam
- Practical assessment or hands-on evaluation
- Interviews with clients or supervisors
- Submission of supporting materials (recommendation letters, signed attendance logs, etc.)
✅ Build Your Doula Business (Optional but Recommended)
Once certified, you’ll want to establish yourself professionally. Here’s how:
- Create a website or social media presence
- Choose a business name and register it in Tennessee if needed
- Purchase liability insurance
- Build a referral network with midwives, OB/GYNs, chiropractors, and lactation consultants
🌟 Final Thoughts
Illinois is a state that values the support of trained doulas—especially as more families seek holistic, culturally competent, and personalized care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Whether you’re in Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, or a rural community, your presence as a doula can make a powerful difference in the lives of families across the state.
With a clear focus, the right training program, and a heart for serving others, you can begin your doula journey confidently and compassionately.
