Through Manhattan Birth's 12-month Mentor Program, 
Doulas can get Certified as a Birth or Postpartum Doula or both! 

We're ready to take your doula practice
​to the next level. Are you?

Every year, Manhattan Birth accepts a small cohort of doulas and birth professionals who are ready to LAUNCH their birth businesses - all they need is a little direction, some accountability, and support.  The Manhattan Birth Mentor Program provides just that, along with networking opportunities, advanced trainings, monthly masterminding groups, a supportive community of successful doulas, and everything you need to get your birth business GOING!

The Mentor Program is offered for birth professionals who are new to the birth community, or those who have been here awhile but are looking to shift or renew focus, or take their existing practice to the next level in a supportive environment.

Our former cohorts consist of 6-10 people who are birth doulas and postpartum doulas, among other things.  They are truly rock stars and we are so proud to have them as part of our community.  We motivate and encourage each other for these 12 months, while creating a tight-knit, positive, uplifting sisterhood.

At the end of the 12 months, you will have the option to become certified as a Manhattan Birth Certified Doula, or, Certified Advanced Doula. Our doulas are certified in both birth and postpartum work. 

What makes us stand out? 

Our doulas work. If you are interested in having a career as a birth worker and you are serious about it, this program will get you there. We are excited to see what you do!

Our community is supportive.
We lift as we climb.
We mentor each other.
Nothing makes us happier than knowing we have created an army of people who are changing the world for new families.
​Feels good, right? 

Our training is comprehensive. Our doulas help families throughout the childbearing year - not just at the bedside in the hospital, and not just when they come home. We are ready for anything and we have a strong and knowledgable community on which we lean. 
​

Manhattan Birth's Birth + Postpartum Doula Certification Requirements

• Enrollment in the Year 1 or Year 2* MB Mentor Program
• Completion of the “Quick Start” training workshop, if previously untrained
• Minimum meeting attendance (In-Person and Zooms): 50% All other missed meetings must be “made up” and viewed from the online space
• Audit all 8 Comprehensive Childbirth Prep classes**
• Normal Newborn Workshop
• CPR Certification
• Comforting Touch Workshop
• Lactation for Doulas***
• Support of 3 births (only one birth can be cesarean, and only one birth can be home birth)
• 8 hours of postpartum doula support (may also be your birth client, providing 2-3 postpartum visits equaling 8 hours)
• Complete Birth Review form for each birth, and review/process with your mentor.
• Complete Postpartum Support Review Form(s) and review/process with your mentor.
• Minimum of two meetings (in person or video conference) with your mentor.
• Essay (minimum 500 words). Choose from the following 3 topics:
  • 1) How does a birth doula help in the postpartum period?
  • 2) Reflect on a challenging situation during a recent birth and/or postpartum period. Describe how you worked through the challenge (or not), and what you learned about the experience.
  • 3) How can you best support a client/family in the postpartum period, and what resources can you provide?
• Exit Interview with program directors (may be video conference)

* Year 2 doulas may qualify for “advanced” certification upon review by program directors.
** If you cannot attend consecutive classes in the 8-week series, please contact Lynne for schedule of corresponding make up classes.
​*** Year 1 must complete the Lactation Basics for Doulas Workshop, Year 2 must attend the Advanced Breastfeeding Support case studies meeting (see schedule for date/time)

Required Reading for Certification

• The Birth Partner (Simkin)
• Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth (Gaskin)
• Natural Hospital Birth (Gabriel)
• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League)
• The Baby Book (Sears)
• Mothering the New Mother (Placksin)
• Happiest Baby on the Block (Karp)
• Choose 2 selections from the suggested reading list ( see attached)