Doula Training
PHEI Doula Training: Your Commitment
The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative is a proud recipient of the March of Dimes/ CVS doula Equitable Access to Doula Care Project. As part of this initiative, we have been funded to provide community based doula training to 15 aspiring doulas. The training fee will be covered through a full scholarship awarded by our grant for selected applicants. As part of the grant we are required to partner with a hospital to increase doula access at the bedside. Newark Beth Israel Hospital in Newark is our training partner.
Through this initiative, participants will receive professional education and doula training, consumer education resources, community grants to strengthen local infrastructure, technical assistance, and support with marketing and evaluation. Successful applicants will participate in a cohort model that includes a blend of education and capacity building opportunities offered from the March of Dimes and training offered through PHEI.
Each applicant will be supported through the medicaid credentialing process to become a medicaid provider and will receive a paid mentorship subscription through National Black Doulas Association amethyst level agency membership,
Once trained, participants will have to complete the required objectives for certification. The pathway to certification will take approximately three months to complete and includes the following which include:
- attend 4 births
Successful candidates will be offered 1099 employment opportunities with PHEI or a pathway to entrepreneurship.
Training Locations
- Perinatal Health Equity Initiative, 280 S. Harrison st. suite 40, East Orange NJ, 07018
- Birth Center of New Jersey, 1945 US-22, Union, NJ 07083
See Driving Directions Below
Training Schedule
- Friday 9-6pm at PHEI
- Saturday 9-6 pm at The Birth Center of NJ
- Sunday 9-6pm at PHEI
Application Process
The application process consists of a written and video recorded section. Videos can be uploaded directly into the application platform. There is no need for make up or dressing up unless that’s what you want. Our goal is to get to know you through your response.
Applications are now open and will close on 10/27 at 5pm
Interviews will be ongoing and will be completed by 10/24. Selected applicants will be notified by 5pm on 10/24.
Only applications that are complete will be considered for the program.
Who should apply?
Doulas are trained professionals who enhance the clinical care pregnant patients receive by providing physical, emotional, and educational support throughout the pregnancy journey. Studies show that doulas may reduce complications, lower stress, and even increase breastfeeding rates—all contributing to better health outcomes. Doulas provide support during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum period.
Births are unpredictable so anyone applying to the program should have a general understanding that the role may require them to attend births without much notice or warning, including in the middle of the night.
Not sure if the role is for you? Read more about the role of the doula here
What will make my application stand out?
As part of our grant deliverables we will be prioritizing applicants who reside in Newark, Orange, East Orange, and Irvington. We are also very interested in applicants that speak Haitian Creole.
We will be reviewing all applications but your video component of your application can help you shine. It’s important to be authentic and speak your truth. Edits and polished videos are not necessary. Business casual appearance is strongly encouraged.
What if I am already a doula?
Doulas who have completed one the of the NJ approved medicaid training are also eligible to participate in the program and will be evaluated on a case by case basis. You will not be required to attend the training in Nov but will have to participate in required cohort activities.
Doulas who have been trained by another training program will need to complete our training offered through the National Black Doula association to be eligible.
A list of approved training providers can be found here.
How many applicants will you be admitted into the program?
We will admit a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 30 applicants to the program.
What happens if I do not complete the program?
If a participant does not complete the program, they will be responsible for reimbursing the cost of the scholarship. We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, such as a family emergency or illness, and in those cases, exceptions can be made. Because spots in the program are limited and highly competitive, we want to ensure that scholarships go to individuals who are able to fully participate and benefit from the program. Our goal is to make sure these opportunities are available to those who can fully commit and use the support to its fullest.