In the world of birth work, certification can be a powerful tool for validating your skills, building client trust, and even securing insurance reimbursements for your clients. At Natural Resources, we understand that doulas come to certification from different backgrounds and experience levels. That's why we've created multiple pathways (tracks) to accommodate your unique journey.
Understanding the Difference: Certificate of Completion (AKA Certificate of Attendance) vs. Being a Natural Resources Certified Doula
First, let's clear up a common misconception. If you've completed a doula training at Natural Resources, you received a certificate of completion/attendance. This documents your attendance and participation in our comprehensive training program—a significant achievement on its own!
However, having a certificate of completion/attendance is NOT the same as being a certified doula. Certification requires additional steps beyond the initial training, including supporting multiple families, receiving evaluations, completing reading requirements, and paying a certification fee. These certification requirements were outlined during the training sessions. If you do not recall paying a fee for certification and submitting the following requirements it is likely you are not certified.
View Birth Doula Certification requirements
View Postpartum Doula Certification requirements
If you have questions about your certification status email classes@naturalresources-sf.com.
Three Pathways to Natural Resources Certification
Track 1: Post-Training Certification
If you've taken our doula training and want to become certified, you'll need to complete specific requirements that were shared during your program. The good news is that if your training was completed less than two years ago, you're still eligible to pursue this certification track without additional training.
This track is for new doulas who have recently completed their training at Natural Resources (within the past 2 years) and are building their client base. If it has been more than 2 years you MAY be eligible for certification via Track 3. If you are not you will need to repeat the training.
Track 2: Recertification
Recertification every 3-5 years is becoming the standard and may be required by some insurance. If you hold a current certification from Natural Resources or another organization, or if your certification expired less than six months ago, our recertification process is designed for you. This streamlined approach allows you to maintain your professional credentials without repeating your entire training.
However, if your certification expired more than six months ago, you'll need to pursue either the Established Doula Track 3 or complete our training and follow Track 1.
Track 3: Established Doula Certification
Are you an experienced birth worker who has supported 25 or more families? You may qualify for our Established Doula Track. This option recognizes your existing experience while ensuring you meet our certification standards.
This track is also appropriate for those who completed their Natural Resources training more than two years ago but have been actively working as a doula.
California's AB 904 and Insurance Coverage for Doula Services
As of January 1, 2025, California's groundbreaking AB 904 legislation requires private health insurers and Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) to cover doula services. This significant development represents a major opportunity for doulas practicing in California—but it comes with important certification implications.
Many insurance providers require doulas to hold current certification from a recognized organization before they will approve payment for services. This means certification is no longer just a professional credential but potentially a requirement for your clients to access their insurance benefits.
Confirming Your Certification Status or Getting Certified ASAP is Recommended
Beyond professional development, certification can have practical implications for your practice:
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Insurance Reimbursement: Many insurance providers require doulas to be currently certified before they will reimburse clients for doula services under AB 904.
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Certification Dates: Your certification becomes effective on the day we complete reviewing your submitted materials—not retroactively. This is particularly important if you're working with clients who need a certified doula for insurance coverage purposes.
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Professional Longevity: Certifications older than three - five years typically need renewal through our recertification process to ensure you're up-to-date with current practices and standards.
Natural Resources Training Opportunities
At Natural Resources, we offer comprehensive training and certification for both Birth and Postpartum Doulas. Our programs are designed to prepare you for the real-world challenges of doula work while meeting certification standards recognized by insurance providers.
Our upcoming training sessions:
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View Reproduction Justice workshop - this workshop or its equivalent is required for our certification
Taking the Next Step Towards Certification
Whether you're a new doula fresh from a NR training, an experienced birth worker seeking formal certification, or a certified doula needing to renew your credentials, we have a track designed for your circumstances.
If you are ready to advance your doula career through certification compare our certification tracks to see which is right for you.
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Doulas-to-be: Take our training and get certified
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Recent NR Doula Students: Complete the post training certification process. Email classes@naturalresources-sf.com with questions
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Currently certified Doulas: Begin the recertification process
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Eligible, non-certified active doulas: Get started on the “Established Doula” track
IMPORTANT! If you're supporting families who require a certified doula (particularly for insurance purposes under AB 904), it's your professional responsibility to ensure your certification is current BEFORE beginning your work with them.
Natural Resources is committed to supporting doulas at every stage of their professional journey. Our certification processes are designed to uphold quality standards while recognizing the diverse paths that lead to exceptional doula care.