For doulas · Becoming a doula

A career of passion,
not just a job.

Birth and postpartum doula training, fully online and self-paced. Support families through important transitions, with flexible work and the option to run your own business.

A doula in a grey t-shirt standing beside a bed and smiling at a parent who sits propped on pillows holding their newborn.

Doula work draws people who are

  • Nurses, CNAs, and people studying to become nurses or midwives
  • Parents inspired by the support of their own doula, or who wish they had had one
  • Nannies and Newborn Care Specialists who want to become postpartum doulas
  • Career changers, and empty nesters looking for meaningful work around families
  • Professionals who need a recognized certification

No silly hoops.

The training is built to be usable. It is online and self-paced, so you can take it whenever you like, and it does not ask you to jump through hoops that waste your time.

Compare both trainings

Learn about the Doula trainings

Anna Rodney introduces BBU’s doula trainings.

Choose a training.

Each is a standalone training. A mentorship purchase is not required.

Certification and benefits.

  • Complete a training to earn your initial one-year certification
  • Move to full three-year certification with BBU mentorship or 15 eligible CEUs
  • BBU certification is accepted by Carrot, Maven and other workplace benefit companies and Medicaid programs in some states

Bundle deal

Doing both?

The Birth + Postpartum bundle is $900 instead of $1,100 for both trainings, a $200 saving.

See the bundle

From doulas who trained with BBU

Testimonials from doulas who trained with BBU.

Yvette M.Certified Birth Doula
“If this is something that you've ever considered, to be a doula or just find your niche within birth work, I highly recommend Birth & Baby University — you can feel very confident once that you've taken a training with Birth & Baby University that you're ready to go.”
Shauna K.Labor Doula Training

This is the most informative and useful course I have taken

“I am so grateful I completed the Birth and Baby University Labor Doula training. I have completed multiple other labor doula courses over the years and I can confidently say this is the most informative and useful course I have taken. It gives you answers that you really need working as a labor doula and I wish I would have had this when I started out in my career!”
Brittany P.Postpartum Doula Training
“The course was incredibly informative, well-paced, and full of practical details that truly prepared me for the day-to-day work of being a postpartum doula.”
Angela W.Anna’s in-person Labor Doula training

Anna is extremely knowledgeable about birth and radiates that passion onto everyone she teaches!

“I had such a wonderful experience attending the Labor Doula training course at Arizona Doulas with Anna Rodney. She was extremely warm and welcoming and made sure we were all comfortable throughout the two days. Anna is extremely knowledgeable about birth and radiates that passion onto everyone she teaches. I would highly recommend taking any and all courses with Anna!”
Shelley M.Experienced doula · training with Anna

She is an amazing, fun instructor!

“I trained with Anna for Labor support recently. I had trained through another institution and have been doing labor for 4 yrs. I learned so much from Anna in those 2 days!! She is patient, efficient and thorough! Any questions were answered. She is an amazing, fun instructor!”
Yvette M.Certified Postpartum Doula
“This is a great certification process to go through, it had lots of information that was usable — it comes through an app so you can have that space to process all the information.”
Shauna K.Labor Doula Training
“I have completed multiple other labor doula courses over the years and I can confidently say this is the most informative and useful course I have taken.”
Angela W.Anna’s in-person Labor Doula training
“Anna is extremely knowledgeable about birth and radiates that passion onto everyone she teaches. I would highly recommend taking any and all courses with Anna!”
Malia K.

Supportive and welcoming learning environment.

“I cannot recommend Birth and Baby University highly enough. The content was incredibly well-organized and digestible, making it easy to absorb even complex topics. The instructor, Anna, is outstanding—patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. Throughout the program, I felt fully supported, with a wealth of resources available at my fingertips any time I needed them. Whether you’re pursuing a path as a doula or simply want to feel more confident caring for babies, this is the place to start. The program empowers you with both practical skills and meaningful insight, all within a supportive and welcoming learning environment. I’m so grateful I chose Birth and Baby University.”
Shannon A.

If I could give Birth & Baby University 10 stars I would!

“If I could give Birth & Baby University 10 stars I would! I took my recertification for Postpartum Doula and a Breastfeeding training recently and the training was so amazing! Anna is so great at explaining things and her trainings were easy to get through and it’s self pace, which I needed. Thank you, Anna and Birth & Baby University for your wonderful trainings! I will definitely be coming back to take more trainings!”
Chelsea D.Certified Birth Doula
“Times are changing, families are changing, we're all learning to adapt, and as care professionals we all need to keep up with those standards — that's why I turned to Birth & Baby University.”
Laura C.Labor Doula Training

I love how much passion she put in her class

“Anna’s labor doula class was absolutely amazing. I love how much passion she put in her class and her passion for birth. Even as a birth worker I had so much to learn from her. I’m so happy I decided to take the labor doula class with Anna and would highly recommend it to anyone planning taking a class. I’m sure her parenting classes are just as incredible as this was.”
Saori B.Postpartum certification

Accessible, easy to follow, and overall a great resource to come back to

“I took the postpartum certification training with B&B University earlier this year! I really appreciated Anna’s, the instructor, calm and reassuring demeanor throughout each section of the course. Her knowledge and how she structures the information makes this training accessible, easy to follow, and overall a great resource to come back to.”
Addi C.Postpartum doula training with Anna

She made it personal with tips and advice for new doulas

“I took Anna’s postpartum doula training a few weeks ago and she was awesome! What I loved about her training is that she incorporated her years of experience as a doula into it and made it personal with tips and advice for new doulas. I would highly recommend training with Anna if you have the chance!”
Leah W.

I feel lucky to have Anna as a resource for post training

“I took an Childbirth Educator Training with Anna, and it was AMAZING. She is so incredibly kind, gentle and knows SO MUCH. Not only did she provide amazing material but she brought the entire class together in a way where we were learning from each other as well. I feel lucky to have Anna as a resource for post training. Thanks Anna!”
Elly H.Certified Postpartum Doula
“You can tell she poured in her years of experience into these trainings, it's all very well thought out — she knows exactly what she needs to touch on and she also does it in consideration of the doula. I learned so much.”
Laura C.Labor Doula Training
“Even as a birth worker I had so much to learn from her.”
Addi C.Postpartum doula training with Anna
“What I loved about her training is that she incorporated her years of experience as a doula into it and made it personal with tips and advice for new doulas.”
Michelle Y.

So knowledgeable and a true leader in the birth and baby world.

“I took the postpartum doula training through Birth & Baby University. It was engaging, informative, and evidence based. It was nice to have Anna Rodney teaching the class rather than just scrolling through PowerPoint. She is so knowledgeable and a true leader in the birth and baby world. I loved the real life stories she weaves in. I learned so much, was never bored and would highly recommend!”
Alessia C.

The material keeps me engaged, it was so informative!

“This course is designed to help anyone who is passionate about becoming a successful Doula. The material keeps me engaged it was so informative I didn’t even skip a single session. Great job! continue to share your knowledge with us!”
Elly H.Certified Birth Doula
“If you're on the fence of going into the doula profession, or if you're already decided and know you want to become a doula, I would not hesitate to recommend Birth & Baby University — it truly touches on everything that is important for this profession.”
Chrissie D.Experienced birth and postpartum doula

Incredibly valuable for returning or seasoned doulas who want to deepen their understanding and expand their skills

“Even after six years as a certified birth and postpartum doula, I gained so much from my training with Birth & Baby University. Anna Rodney has built a program that’s not only solid for doulas just starting out and working toward certification, but also incredibly valuable for returning or seasoned doulas who want to deepen their understanding and expand their skills. This wasn’t just a general refresher, it truly helped me fill in gaps, sharpen my approach, and walk away with practical, evidence-based tools I’m already using with clients. The content was thoughtful, comprehensive, and grounded in real life doula work. Whether you’re brand new or years into your practice, I can’t recommend Birth & Baby University enough. Anna’s experience and passion shine through in every part of the course, and it left me feeling more confident, informed, and re-energized in my work.”
Shelley M.Experienced doula · training with Anna

Her training took me to a new level!

“Anna is the best teacher. She craves knowledge and then shares it! Thank goodness!! I have been a doula for 10 yrs and an IBCLC for 3. I have taken training through DONA, CAPPA, Lactation Education Recources, PRO DOULA as well as a few others!! Anna’s training actually changed how I do things!! I’d been pretty settled, in my groove too!! Her training took me to a new level! I learned so much! I honestly figured it was just a refresher at first!! Go Anna!! Keep it up!!! You are amazing at what you do!”
Adriana L.Childbirth Educator Training with Anna

She is a role model and I am very thankful for what I learned in her classes

“As a seasoned doula, I have taken many trainings, but I must say that the training on Child Birth Education I experienced with Anna Rodney was exceptionally good. She is clear, kind, and brings light to any subject she encounters. She has a deep understanding of how students learn and adapts her teaching to all learning abilities. Her classes are interesting, engaging and full of useful information. In her class I learned, not only the subjects matter but also how to kindly include the student and make her/him feel comfortable and knowledgeable. She is a role model and I am very thankful for what I learned in her classes.”
Chelsea D.Certified Postpartum Doula
“It really gave me a renewed sense of my responsibility as a postpartum care provider and what families expect and how I can be the best support for them.”
Brittany P.Postpartum Doula Training

Truly prepared me for the day-to-day work of being a postpartum doula

“I completed my postpartum doula training through Birth and Baby University and had a fantastic experience. The course was incredibly informative, well-paced, and full of practical details that truly prepared me for the day-to-day work of being a postpartum doula. Anna, the instructor, was an excellent teacher—knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about both postpartum care and education. I left the training feeling confident, supported, and inspired. I highly recommend this program to anyone considering becoming a postpartum doula.”
Shelley M.Experienced doula · training with Anna
“Anna’s training actually changed how I do things!!”
Adriana L.Childbirth Educator Training with Anna
“Her classes are interesting, engaging and full of useful information.”
Mary R.

The training is thorough, evidence-based, compassionate, and deeply respectful of families and the role of doulas.

“The best place to become a birth & postpartum doula. I completed my birth and postpartum doula certification through Birth and Baby University, and I can confidently say it was the best decision I could have made for my professional journey. The training is thorough, evidence-based, compassionate, and deeply respectful of families and the role of doulas. It prepares you not just to become certified, but to truly serve families with confidence, professionalism, and heart. One of the biggest strengths of this program is that it is approved training, which directly helped me become certified as a Medicaid doula in Illinois. Having a program that is recognized and aligned with state requirements made a huge difference in my ability to expand access to care and serve families who rely on Medicaid. Anna Rodney is absolutely incredible. She is an outstanding educator and mentor whose teaching style is clear, supportive, empowering, and rooted in real-world experience. You can truly feel how much she cares about her students and about raising the standard of doula care. If you are looking for high-quality training that is respected, approved, and truly prepares you for real-world birth and postpartum work, Birth and Baby University is hands down the best place to get certified. I am incredibly grateful for this education and proudly carry it into my work with families.”

Hear from doulas who trained with BBU

Three doulas describe their BBU training in their own words.

Yvette describes her BBU training.
Chelsea describes her BBU training.
Elly describes her BBU training.

From first lesson to your first family.

  1. Train online

    Complete the birth or postpartum doula training at your own pace.

  2. Certify

    Earn your initial one-year certification on completion.

  3. Grow into full certification

    Complete BBU mentorship or 15 eligible CEUs for three-year certification.

Before you
choose a training.

Birth or postpartum: how do I choose?

Birth doulas support families through labor and birth. Postpartum doulas support the transition with a newborn. Nannies and Newborn Care Specialists often choose postpartum; people drawn to labor support choose birth.

Can I learn online?

Yes. BBU’s initial doula trainings are fully online and self-paced.

How long does the training take?

Each training includes about 24 hours of video and activities. You complete it at your own pace, and many people finish within 3–4 days.

Do I need mentorship to be certified?

No. Initial training is a standalone product. Mentorship is one of two ways to move from your initial one-year certification to full three-year certification; the other is 15 eligible CEUs.

Will the training guarantee me clients or income?

No. It prepares you for the work, including client interviews and business basics, but it cannot guarantee clients, employment or income.

I am already trained. Is there another option?

Yes. Trained and previously certified doulas can cross-certify; see the recertification page.

A smiling woman in a kitchen holding up the Postpartum Doula Training and Labor Doula Training workbooks

Anna RodneyFounder & lead faculty

Master’s degree in education

Anna spent more than a decade teaching special education before focusing on birth and baby education. She has supported families and mentored doulas since 2013.

  • Newborn Care Specialist
  • Lactation Educator and Lamaze Instructor
  • Happiest Baby on the Block parent educator

Former Hypnobirth instructor.

Read Anna’s full background

Other ways in

Become a doula
in your state.

The same online trainings, with what to know where you live.

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Ask about a training.

Contact BBU for current tuition, training details and enrollment.