I did not certify with DONA international.. here's why | Doula

Whether you choose to certify with an organization or not its SO SO SO important that you AGREE with that organization's values. Here's why DONA international was not for me.
Explore them for yourself: www.dona.org/
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// F O L L O W
Website | www.doulaphilosophy.com
Instagram | @AdrianatheDoula
Facebook | Doula Philosophy
Twitter | @AdrianatheDoula
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// A D R I A N A // DOULA //
I'm Adriana, I'm a birth and postpartum doula and I love it. This channel is dedicated to my work and my desire to educate all about the importance, relevance and need for doulas everywhere and for everyone!

[@sade304]

Yes 👏🏾 thank you for this. DONA is pretty problematic. I trained with National Black Doulas after DONA’s training and there is a HUGE difference. It wasn’t all about money, but more about actually building on something that was already in us, and everything was taught from a black woman/femme perspective.

[@beadiestv7945]

Did you do online courses?

[@mschurchgurl]

I needed to hear this. Thank you!

[@karim.7506]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you ❤️

[@MontasFamilyMafia]

This is exactly what I was looking! 🎉

[@hattiecourtford1341]

As a white woman beginning my process of becoming a doula, I am so thankful to listen to your perspective in this video! I want to think critically about how I engage in this ongoing training process and how I can set myself up with a good foundation for being able to best support any client I might have in the future. Thank you for sharing!

[@jessicahiggins8094]

I literally came to say the same thing. (A little late) Thank you!!!

[@zanthiamom]

This absolutely breaks my heart. This is one of the big reasons why I decided I wanted to be a doula. It's because there were a lot of women out there who just needed support and guidance in the right direction. I'm not here to be your voice I'm here to help you be your voice. The healthcare system is so messed up. and I want to find a certification company who's willing to take other people's religion/spirituality, ethnicity, mental health, background etc into consideration... Personally I'd rather go through your certificate program because you see more well-rounded and that's what I want to be.

[@loveadrie_]

We would love to have you, supporting the development of well rounded doulas is our mission!

[@ashleyb2586]

Nah boo, I was looking into this org in April and felt the exact same way you do. Nothing changed

[@MsLanae]

I went through them in 2020 it's still the same. I'm looking for more training from people that look like me.

[@madih7362]

Thank you for this!! As a white woman who’s considering becoming a doula, it’s super important to me that I can be helpful to women of ALL races and backgrounds. I’m so glad that I found this video!!

[@loveadrie_]

UPDATE: After reviewing the specifics of my experience from emails, contacts, etc I want to update the prices so I can give you all exact numbers from my experience. Keep in mind some of these prices are determined by the trainer(s) (the classes) and others by DONA. All parts were required for certification. Once again these are specific to MY experience in Boston, MA and what I knew at the time. Training: $500 Breastfeeding for Childbirth Professionals: $150 Birth Doula Certification Packet: $50 Childbirth Ed class observation: $100 (I did not pay this bc I worked at a hospital and was able to get in for free) Required reading books: approximately $50 there were six books required Membership: $100/yr (required to be current for certification) = $950 a bit less than the $1000 I quoted but this is the breakdown, may be a bit different in your area.

[@maayanabahtisrael8676]

Hey I just wanted to let you know about Nikia Lawson she's with dona and is an amazing trainer her training is amazing and her CBE class is free ive learned so much from her in just one class alone and you wont regret training with her just look her up on FB

[@zoradaughter]

All these fees are insane & created barriers for folks.

[@everythinggabi1405]

I just became a certified Doula through BEST doula training and I absolutely loved it! Even though it was done virtually, it was so much diversity, everyone shared personal experiences, and bonds were created! Our instructors were two white women, but they had a segment specifically about systemic racism against black women. So proud to be BEST trained. I love your videos too btw!

[@loveadrie_]

I've heard great things about their program, so glad you had a good experience! Wishing you all the success in your practice!

[@s.danyellecoleman7932]

Who did you go through to get certified?

[@loveadrie_]

S. Danyelle Coleman I am not certified through any national or local organization, instead I’m developing my own training and am certifying doulas through my company doula philosophy. check us out at www.doulaphilosophy.com

[@tiawannahomer1420]

adrianathedoula is this for any state?

[@loveadrie_]

January Capricorn Hi January great questions email me directly and I can answer all of them. [e-mail]

[@maeveoliver6165]

I am a new doula and I just want to say that I SO appreciate having your voice and presence in this space! I chose to certify through DONA without a ton of research and so I really appreciate your knowledge and back story! Thank you for your perspective, I've already learned so much from your videos. And I completely agree with all of the other white doulas in the comments (like me), there is so much work to be done. I'm so proud to be actively working against the adversity facing BIPOC in my community through my birth work. Thank you for being a light! So glad to be a new subscriber!

[@bemafanaturallynappy8885]

The best doula ever..since 2014..when i had my daughter Alliyah.. she loves kids..she loves pregnant woman.. Thanks for everything Adriana..

[@loveadrie_]

Thank you!! Miss you all, hope to see you soon ❤

[@stacyh7246]

I am so grateful that I came across your video. I don't feel like I'm the only one now. I took an online class with DONA for 4 or 5 days but I was not in the same state. I paid the $500 and although the instructor was amazing, the class was diverse, loaded with information, a few guests offered discounts for their courses for more certifications and their contact info but once we finished the course, I was left in the dark. I had just given my last for the class and went straight to "now what?" mode. All the discounted courses & resources were mentioned were only available in person in Florida where 90% of the class lived. I also never received the guide that was sent to everyone taking the course so all I could do the entire time was write notes and take screenshots in the zoom course. I told the instructor during the class multiple times and text after the course was over but she was dismissive about it. I went back and forth with USPS for months eventually they just said it was lost. So here I am in Texas, took a class but no experience, no direction, no study guide and all I have to show that I took the class are notes, screenshots, and emailed certificate showing I took the class. They were so kind but It was so discouraging. Now it's back to square one.

[@princessvasquez3668]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I am not black, so I cannot understand your experience as a black woman. I am a Latina, Pacific Islander, and Asian woman. I am looking for an organization who will embrace me. I grew up in Guam, so being on mainland US already intimidates me so I am looking for a doula training who will welcome me. I appreciate you for sharing!

[@loveadrie_]

Good luck in your search, I wish I had some organizations to offer to you but I'm sure you will find a great one! In the end all that matters is that you feel you have the best tools in order to practice as a doula.

[@princessvasquez3668]

adrianathedoula thank you for the well wishes! Also I believe I am your 500th subscriber, so congratulations for 500!!! 🥳

[@loveadrie_]

Thank you!!!! your support means so much!

[@yourbirthteam9543]

I can recommend Birthing From Within as a training organization. I went with them after DONA. Definitely working from an antiracist perspective, with some leadership of color. It’s a much smaller org than DONA or CAPPA and it shows in good ways.

[@princessvasquez3668]

Your Birth Team I actually completed my BEST training a week ago! Thank you 😊

[@renekacisco8381]

Thank you 🙏🏽 so much for dropping these GEMS 💎 I’m doing research on all companies before I start my Doula career.

[@irenewilkerson4913]

Thank you for sharing! I was tossing around a couple of certification organizations but I recently signed up with a DONA-approved instructor for the training and the huge reason I finally decided to go with DONA is because I was able to find a Black instructor who seemed to align with what’s important to me. I wanted to go with DONA largely because they are so widely recognized but I would not have done so if I couldn’t find a single Black instructor. My goal is to avoid half those things you mentioned so hopefully I do! My training is next month, fingers crossed.

[@anitaa4383]

How did your training go?

[@simplysue8946]

Thanks so much for this gold nugget! I just started my Journey and feel the same as you! I want to bring more awareness to people that look like me. I also want that connection from whom I choose to learn from!

[@loveadrie_]

You're so welcome! Wishing you all the best in your journey,

[@dinoramoruri5679]

I have only watched two videos and I love all of what you have to say. I’m pursing becoming a doula and doing my research right now. Watching your videos is super helpful especially being Afro latina and trying to help woman in minority communities or are low income

[@loveadrie_]

So glad you found the videos helpful. We need more afro Latinas in doula work and especially those who are dedicated to minority communities. 🧡

[@sahlahgreen4307]

I took a birthing doula training class taught by a certified Dona trainer last June 2023 although it was 3 of us black women I felt like I didn’t learn enough and I spent $550 for the class and the hoops you have to jump through to get certified is crazy. I feel like my money was wasted.

[@no1butNILEY]

I took a DONA sponsored postpartum doula training in the fall of 2021 -- while I enjoyed the class structure (6 afternoons over 6 weeks) and have gained some friends from that training, I chose not to certify with them for many of the same reasons (lack of diversity, lack of support, expensive, not personal etc.). I also feel like my postpartum training focused a lot on babies and baby care, and that's great, but my main goal as a doula is to support the parents. I wish there had been more information on postpartum healing, postpartum nourishment and practical support. I ultimately do not know if I will pursue certification with any organization as a postpartum doula. I am however pursuing training and certification through StillBirthDay as a birth and bereavement doula.

[@rhondal8887]

How did it go with stillbirthday? I just found them online.

[@Mizrie412]

Thank you so much! I've only watched 2 of your videos (so far- I subscribed 😉) and you've already helped me so much. Im currently deciding where I want to get trained and certified. DONA of course came up in my search and you've confirmed EXACTLY what I suspected. This was the exact vibe I was getting from them and this video was the perfect first hand experience I was looking for. Im sure they'd be a fine fit for some, but the state of healthcare in the birth world is the whole reason im so passionate about doing this. Luckily one of the other groups I was looking at is local and very involved in advocacy. Thank you reassuring me that im making the right choice for me and my goals ❤.

[@loveadrie_]

I'm so glad you found this helpful and thank you so much for your support! Wishing you all the best in your journey!

[@ladyjudah7777]

Thank you sooooo much for this video. I went through my initial training (Summer 2020) with DONA and I'm choosing at the moment to continue. I actually had quite a diverse class from a wide range of locations (probably due to the fact it was virtual for COVID). I agree there were many areas of uncertainty as to what EXACTLY was needed to "completely" certify. BUT my particular instructor was absolutely amazing. But I should also mention, I purposely chose a Latin women from the intercity, I think to combat some of what you're expressing. However, I live in the tri state area so maybe the demographics are just different here. She has taken many personal steps to ensure her trainees have access to her and also encouraged us to connect with other doulas through various FB groups. So in that respect, I felt supported. When it came to the classes, I do feel the curriculum in some ways restricted her from discussing extensively specific issues/ trauma black and brown women experience. But by no means did I think she was naive to the fact; I just got the impression maybe DONA didn't place an emphasis on it but personally she would dive deeper offline. It was also quite offputting to hear during 1 particular class, certification IS NOT NECESSARY to serve as anyone's doula. It's basically to give comfort to your clients because the knowledge can be obtained through self teaching. Especially, as sis said I'm out $500+. All in all, do what's best for you and try to find an individual instructor who can give you what you need to succeed! Good luck everyone!

[@locomochavlogs8913]

I am extremely grateful for you and this video. You helped me so much with starting my new journey in becoming a doula. I am a black woman as well. I was going to certify with DONA I go the same vibe. Again thank you for your insight!!💛💛

[@heatherbeck1]

Thank you so much for sharing...I love having more options that include diversity and people of all cultures and backgrounds--- love your entrepreneurial spirit girl!

[@jannetteakajuice]

I want to thank you for this video. I have been in thought of becoming a Doula and this has help give me a different perspective on what DONA is. I am Hispanic in a lower class community and all I want to do is help the mamas and I didn’t feel like DONA was the path I should go on to do this practice because it didn’t relate to the mommies I want to work and help with. Thank you thank you for sharing your experience!

[@loveadrie_]

I'm so glad you found this helpful! Your community needs you keep looking for the training that suits you the best. Sending light!

[@Islanddreamer430]

Just curious. Who did you end up training g with? I’m considering becoming a doula as well.

[@sarahmaclean4589]

Thank you so much for this. I was searching for any guidance as I moved through this very unuser friendly certification packet that literally changed in the middle of me completing the paperwork. Your video has been tremendously validating and eye-opening. It is everything I have been feeling for almost the entire 4 years of trying to complete this packet. I brushed off feeling these things because I have a deep desire to follow through with what I start. I had my training in 2018 with a wonderful diverse group of individuals just as passionate about birth and babies as I am. So, as a white woman rooted in my native american culture and surrounded in training by passionate black women; I thought I was in the right place. I think we were all a little misled. Your video has helped me feel ok with moving forward as I am. Unsure of the impersonal, expensive certification process... Unsure I want to identify with this privileged organization or membership club as it is... I am a trained self educated Birth Doula active as Nurturer By Nature. I am enough. You're wonderful. Thank you.

[@shayaharper-tatum9298]

Wow, your videos are so informative. I like how you gave an unbiased, authentic review of DONA & of your training experience. I recently decided I want to become a doula because I had no luck in finding one to work with me for a home birth after having 3 unnecessary c-sections. I was able to order a birth pool & will be doing this birth unassisted any day now. I hope I'll be able to empower women who have had c-sections, financially struggling people, or those who feel like they have no support one day soon to have the birth experience they want. Thanks for sharing your knowledge :)

[@chiquitajackson4988]

OH WOW! It's funny that I am coming across this video. I just looked at their website two week ago (1st wk of 10/22), and that was the exact vibe I got. That was just from viewing the website. Thank you for sharing your experience as this has been helpful in my certification decision.

[@brittanygancarz2475]

Thank you so much for your perspective! You laid out your concerns so well and logically! This video is how I found you and started following you on social media! I laughed at “white doula club.” Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@loveadrie_]

Thank you! So glad you found it helpful!

[@kristentaylor8217]

Ah, this breaks my heart. I can't speak for the organization over all, but my trainer, class, and experience was the absolute opposite. My trainer was a black women. Half the women in my cohort were other black women. We had a wide variety of POVs and experiences.

[@auburnrenaissance]

I was conflicted about this! As an aspiring doula and midwife, I was interested in the international aspect and being able to service clients when I travel. I’m definitely focused on serving my community (Black women in particular) as well as Latinx, disabled and other minorities. I truly appreciate your honesty and integrity in sharing your experience...its given me more clarity in my journey and I think I’ll opt to look into other opportunities outside DONA for now. Would you happen to know of any organizations that certify internationally by any chance? Continued blessings in your work and ministry ✨

[@mackenzie-deltadurocher]

Birthing Advocacy Doula Training and Cornerstone Birthwork are great options

[@marvellaying9575]

Once you're a certified Doula you can work ANYWHERE. Doulas are not regulated by any medical or government body.

[@Ms.murda_]

You do not need a certificate to define your work internationally! Training is always necessary but there’s opportunities for Birthworkers in every country as of right now, I’m leaving to Guatemala with opportunities there, Costa Rica, Mexico, Haiti, Congo and so much more opportunities. No government entity defines Doulas because we are support people.

[@Kailani777]

@Yahuahs Yaladym shalom,sister I came across your comment and was like hey here’s a sister in the same faith and I would like to ask, who do you recommend is the best program to go to for becoming a doula

[@reannalovellatteberry8605]

Thank you for sharing, very eye opening.

[@Sharese.Channel]

I love your perspective on this video. I am currently getting my degree in public health with a concentration in maternal and child health. Originally, I was studying health science, but felt like public health and women's health was my calling. Lately, I've been researching on how to become a birth/postpartum doula, so it is refreshing to see someone who looks like me and shares the same professional interests as me. Is being a doula your only profession?

[@user-jr2it4vo9h]

So helpful!! I agree! Italian background btw. I felt after the training I called and just couldn't get any support! Very disappointing! Also really wanted some references and reaching and just not available! I also felt like I could not relate. I also found that more than 90 percent of the class weren't able to start their business because they weren't prepared on the business side! I would love to speak directly to you!

[@bryn850]

Everybody have to find a program that is the best fit for them. Your morals, values, personal and professional background will help you decide which program is best for you. I am a black woman, I do not need to be taught how to relate to black women. Teach me to be a knowledgeable, professional Doula not just a black Doula. I feel like that would be limiting me. I think the ability to work with “all “people is very important. Having someone that looks like me in the class is not important to me, it may help me relate to others better and identify the needs this profession needs.

[@ReyDev165]

GooddAy Madame I love to hear about the training and learming

[@naturallynae2378]

yes i felt you on that!! thank you for being versatile

[@CatherineChangchangstkdamerica]

Thank you for sharing. I’m a new doula working on my certification through DONA and agree the process is self propelled. I’m sorry you felt uncomfortable with other women during your training. I also had an issue in my training and it had to do with pro nouns! Not race! When will we love and respect each other’s experiences and lives as women? I’m honored to have had 4 very different women as my first clients as a doula. My very 1st a Korean immigrant, my 2nd a very young woman with depression, my 3rd an Armenian visitor and my 4th a woman from Africa. I’m so grateful she didn’t see me the way you see me. I certainly don’t see you as a non privileged black woman. We are all privileged in this free country and especially privileged to be supporting women and their families or in some cases no families in the human birthing experience. I belong to doulas for everyone a non profit organization serving those who can’t afford traditional doula services. Once you find an organization to work with they will assign a mentor if you ask. DONA also has a great daily chat for those working on certification as well as assistance in the cert process. I paid 500 for my training with a local doula trainer and 75.00 for the certification packet. I did have to join DONA which is 99. Per year. Have you read Ina May Gaskins books? Great stories of midwifery. Do you have a recommendation from the black community? I’m sure they’d add it to the reading list! Id certainly like to read it. Blessings for a successful journey! I look forward to more of your posts! ❤

[@shinjimoonji]

Oof, I feel this. I took the DONA training recently too, and was the only person who wasn't white in the room, either. Being in those spaces where it's all white women always makes me feel like I'm either a) going to be tokenized for being a queer and trans Korean person, or b) not supposed to be there because there's no one that looks like me. I decided not to get certified either because I didn't feel like it aligned with my heart. Thank you for saying all this! Sending you so much love.

[@user-vd2gk9bi4l]

I chose not to go through DONA either, very pricey to get your certification and tons of fees to maintain your certification. I am currently going through Maternity wise so far they seem very kind and inclusive of all communities. I've also heard birthing advocacy doula training is really great too!

[@greschkaortiz1108]

I just took the Dona course and I wish I would’ve seen this video before I feel the same way.

[@marythecontrarian]

I plan to start my doula training in January: I was going to certify with DONA but now I’m reconsidering. The only thing is, I’m not sure where else I could get doula training in Georgia. Do you know of any other organizations that do a lot of classes in many different states? I hope I can end up finding somewhere with more diversity and more personal. Also, do you have any advice for someone going into learning how to be a doula that is somehow different than most other doulas (ex: not white, LGBT, poor, young and childless) and how to navigate a system that often does not make room for you? Thanks for the video

[@TaylC864]

Thank you for giving us detail of your experience. I was wondering if your very has to be from the state you would be practicing in? I just seen that you offered courses on your site. I am in PA.

[@loveadrie_]

Great question! As of right now there is no national certification for doulas. This means that you are able to train anywhere and be able to practice in your state. Certification is a different process and is voluntary, we do offer certification.

[@yourbirthteam9543]

This is so on point. I’ve been a DONA doula since 2012 and I agree with everything you’re saying. I only keep my certification because I have to have it for another certification/instructor program I love. 😭

[@loveadrie_]

I hope that program changes at some point in the future or DONA changes so there is real change

[@chisonibravo2716]

Definitely helpful, girl. Thank you. Now they're offering scholarships to people of colour, but I still don't know if it's the organization for me. I do like that they're highly recognized, though. I would love to know if there is a Black run organization.

[@Earthspirit555]

There definitely a handful of black owned Doula training companies. I suggest reading up on their philosophy and decide which one resonates with you the most.

[@nasbekillin-9883]

Thanks so much on the info

[@ReyDev165]

Good day I enjoy listening and watching about your experience

[@BlameHanley]

I’ve recently started looking into becoming a doula, who did you end up going with, I like your perspective

[@loveadrie_]

Hey Christine! I actually chose not to certify with a company and started my own! you can find us as doulaphilosophy.teachable.com

[@treasuresofbirth6531]

Am Mariam from Uganda advice me where can certify my doula trainings from kindly are some Doulas I chat and learn from am having a birth soon with my client

[@niyay2613]

I have also been getting into spiritual work

[@AlyandSavannah]

Im a white woman, and i definitly want to be able to help anyone, and make sure their needs are met. Im currently looking into organizations to get started, i want to make sure they are as inclusive as possible. Do yall have any recommendations on good orgs that care about everyone and teach on personal level?

[@loveadrie_]

Hey lovelies! Any doulas in training or doulas in practice? How was your training experience? I'd love to hear from you!

[@hadassahburt-miller9149]

I am certifying with Birthing Advocacy. I chose them after doing extensive research. I love the experience and the approach because being a doula requires you to be comfortable advocating for marginalized people whether or not they look like you. Hearing the experiences from doulas who trained with DONA and CAPPA led me to look for a training that was taught by Black instructors. I did trainings with Ancient Song as well.

[@TheJudahDoula]

I can agree 100% with this video, same everything I trained in June 2019. 1. I went in not understanding the flawed system 2. My training was PowerPoint slides for 2 days and on the 3rd 1hr of hands-on but with cards amongst ourselves, not the instructor actually physically showing us. 3. The only black women were my coworker/ friend (now business partner) and myself. 4. No business training whatsoever, 1 or 2 questions answered and that was it. 5. Once I realized this system was against us I have been re-training to taking courses and following black women and organizations. 6. I have yet to do another training due to finances but will be doing it in the future with like-minded individuals. 7. I have heard DONA is working on retiring some people and a new initiative to include what its currently lacking

[@loveadrie_]

@@TheJudahDoula My experience was very very similar, glad to see you in this work, please continue to move forward through it!!

[@mariadaniels1584]

So then how many fees do you charge in total? Is it comparable to Dona?

[@AngelicAJ69]

I really wished I had seen this before I paid for the class! I am just gonna go through it but I am not going to certify with them. Is it possible to still certify and go through them to do it?

[@loveadrie_]

Absolutely possible, I did the same

[@teresacleveland896]

Hi my name is Teresa Cleveland I live in Cleveland Ohio and yes I did go through that dona program and I'm not certified yet but I'm trying to get there and I would like to meet other dual us that are certified so I can get experience at a birth with a certified doula having a little bit of a hard time getting to that point they give you ideas but it's still kind of hard to get out there and get started would love to listen to you and talk to you further about this I do appreciate your input and look forward to hearing more from you thank you

[@098cutebaby]

So what organization did you end up getting certificated through?

[@ericam3287]

I'm interested to know as well

[@loveadrie_]

I didn’t end up certifying through an organization I created my own, Doula Philosophy where we train and certify our own doulas.

[@malkiabenzy]

Which organization(s) would you recommend instead?

[@loveadrie_]

It’s very difficult for me to recommend organizations because it really comes from what your “mission” and priorities are in becoming a doula once you figure that out you will find an organization that aligns with your values

[@hadassahburt-miller9149]

Check out Birthing Advocacy, Ancient Song, Mama Glow, Shafia Monroe, Mamatoo Village, National Black Doula Association, and Birth from Earth. Those are just the few that I know off the top of my head.

[@malkiabenzy]

@@hadassahburt-miller9149 Thank you!

[@soloclique1308]

Im doing my program through bebo mia its an extensive course but i hear nothing but good things. And they have many different program options one specifically pertaining to diverse families

[@malkiabenzy]

@@soloclique1308 Thank you! It helps to have references.

[@lilady105]

What organization did you certify with?

[@cocomichelle72]

Who did you certify with?I'm a new postpartum doula 1 week .🤔

[@chantejones9825]

Thank you for showing that you can still have a doula career and not certify with DONA.

[@loveadrie_]

Absolutely! Certification is not a requirement although there are pros and cons

[@aafamily225]

I’m going to email you and follow you on Instagram. I’m in the Washington D.C. area. I have a lot of questions. I stand for everything you said, I’m definitely going to search around first.

[@loveadrie_]

thank you! talk soon

[@imykyndall]

me too! did you get certified through another org yet?

[@TheBrittany5671]

Who did you get certified with?

[@pamelacorona584]

This was interesting to listen! I respect your experience and perspective. I guess it really depends on the workshop and not so much the institution DONA. I'm just starting my journey as a doula in Colorado, mainly to serve my latin community and Spanish speaking people. I am of the idea that we don't need a paper to prove something that is and has always been our birth right, which is to support other women on their transition as mothers and to receive that support from other women too. But I took a DONA workshop nonetheless, after much thinking and comparing with other workshops, and I honestly loved it. So I just want to share my positive experience, in case it helps someone here decide. The trainers were really open, empathic, and there was diversity of races and economical status, which I was really hoping for. We talked a lot about racism, gender, and how it is our job to fight these inequalities within the system. We were around 15 women total. When I felt blocked in my expression from not having a super fluid English, I always felt like I could regulate my nervousness around them, and start over. They were patient and understanding. We shared deep stories and it felt like a safe space, so much that I also shared legal concerns regarding my immigration status and received several phone numbers from people that could advise me. I was also referred right away and am now accompanying two women through their birth and postpartum who do not speak any English. My training was just a week ago!! I'm now starting a group of Spanish speaking doulas I met on the workshop!! So I feel like for me this was the best decision. I'm sure other workshops and certifications are also great, but the community I'm making through this experience is invaluable to me.

[@georgeherbertcarson7538]

6:27 yeah that’s a big turnoff being a robotic huge immediate red flag. Great video I’m learning a lot

[@brittaneecook7853]

this is very helpful information

[@brittneyrandolph7614]

Who did you certify with?

[@inner-senselight562]

Who did you go through to get certified?

[@lovergurl]

as far as I know of Luxury Baby Concierge and National Black Doulas are the ONLY 100% BLACK owned doula training organizations.

[@foxyqold]

Wait is that your closet??? Please give me details lol. My closet is similar

[@loveadrie_]

Lol not my closet, its a guest room.

[@cookieabamu6491]

so true

[@TheOrginalBellaTerra]

Peace and Blessings! I truly appreciate your whole presentation and would like to staye that first! I clearly don't oppose anything said but want to put another light onto this topic. I too am a practicing doula, with that said, I understand the whole DONA training. DONA was made up of a group of white women that ambushed the government and got their entity established and certified to be known The lack of diversity comes from the fact that our counter peers knew how to write, whom to talk too, grant write for funding, and make their voices hear to the right people. We all know and can do the same and nake our own national space!! Does this make it right no! Stay with me, so we may not like how the lack of diversity is but we can take it in stride and make the world better as a whole and make our own entity!! As of 2022 DONA has a BLACK PRESIDENT BY THE NAME OF NAKIA LAWSON, which is changing the game with black,brown community. I say this because I felt the same in the beginning but was blessed to be in a class of over twenty some black and brown women with a black instructor!! Many of our ideas are stolen, but we can get them back! If any doulas are on the video please use each other as a collective! Remember many places only want to see the DONA CERTIFICATION, NOTE I SAID to see you have the CERTIFICATE! ( THIS IS JUST needed for insurance purposes, being told you know the process like as if we didnt before they ran to take the idea, etc) HOW YOU SHOW UP IN THE SPACE IS YOUR ENERGY, AND CHANGE THE GAME! BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE. IT DOSEN'T HQVE TO BE WITH DONA IT CAN BE YOUR OWN NATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT PEOPLE WILL RECOGNIZE! I say whom all is ready to be that, then let's go!! I value your opinion!! I hope this all made sense, and as she said this is just my opinion so please do not feel offended in anyway.

[@JackDamjien77]

Replace your fire alarm.

[@maayanabahtisrael8676]

Hey guys please check out Nikia Lawson/Michelle she is a certified trainer/doula through DONA and she is the bomb.com you wont regret working with her

[@irenewilkerson4913]

Omg! This is who I signed up with. I train with her next month. It was so nice to run across this comment

[@i4snickers]

Tried to watch this video but couldn’t get past 5 mins ‘cause of the smoke detector battery noise going off every 20 seconds

[@iesha7357]

Her first reasoning has nothing to do with the company. How the other women carried themselves is not a reflection of the company not being "diverse"

[@lydiamontoya5657]

Please change your smoke detector batteries. It’s not only distracting but it’s unsafe

[@leahcook5225]

I'm doing my training with SMC Shafia Monroe Consulting. Please look up her philosophy. You'll be amazed.

[@shoelacemcgee]

I felt the same way about DONA. They didn't have any social justice or racism information in the education, and they didn't speak to LGBTQ people and experiences of various types of birthing people either. I also didn't like my instructor and she said a lot of outdated or misinformed things. I went with Birthing From Within and have been happy

[@annavladislavovna5579]

If black woken refuse to go with organization that has no black women, how is that organization supposed to increase their diversity?

[@Earthspirit555]

Maybe because they don’t acknowledge the disparities that black women have to face during childbirth?

[@annavladislavovna5579]

@@Earthspirit555 what are the disparities faced by black Women and how should those be acknowledged?

[@Earthspirit555]

@@annavladislavovna5579 There’s plenty of articles that you can look up for free.

[@annavladislavovna5579]

@@Earthspirit555 none that I could find

[@Earthspirit555]

@@annavladislavovna5579 Apparently, you aren’t using the American search engines Ms. Vladislavovna. With a simple search I found multiple sources that I could provide you. But I will simplify it for you and give you KZbin videos. A few examples would be; “CBS Evening News- Black women at higher risk for maternal mortality”, “Healthcare Triage- U.S Maternal Mortality is Much Higher for African-Americans”, “BBC Stories- Why are black women ‘five times more likely to d*e during child birth’?” There are plenty more, so these are just a few examples. Please, stop being simple minded when the internet is bountiful with information to enlighten and elaborate. At this point ignorance is bliss.

[@monicafrazier6364]

Why don't y'all educate you all had babies create things for urself

[@TCJ24116]

I say this with kindness in my heart but it seems like you are coming off a bit racist. Not all Caucasian people are privileged. What matters and should be the main focus is that ALL woman regardless of race have access to a SAFE birth and a birth in which they wish to have. Just because someone may be Caucasian, African American etc doesn't define them. Please think before labeling us "white people privileged"

[@loveadrie_]

As a Black woman, presenting in the society we live in as a Black woman there is no possible way I can be racist. Racism is a system of privilege by which only White people can privilege simply by existing. I wholeheartedly believe that all people should have a safe birthing experience but this entire statement is misguided. Unfortunately we live in a system where your race is a factor that’s the truth.

[@laurawarriorforlife4041]

How about we just focus on women not skin color and judging without knowing?!🙅🏻‍♀️🤔 The majority of this video is about race and not the mission of caring for women and the best organizations to certify with...😒 Skin color doesn’t define a woman.

[@loveadrie_]

Without knowing you Laura, your privilege is barking. It’s obvious that you are speaking from ignorance. To know what has been and continues to effect Black birthing people it is imperative that training organizations are taking a stance and being proactive against racism and are aware of the ways in which our countries’ biases literally kill, injure, and traumatize. Do yourself a favor and seek knowledge.

[@reejay2098]

I agree Laura and she never mentioned what this so called privilege this woman had or implied all women have...its really sad tbh.

[@madelynndemille9042]

Oh good grief…