How to become a doula in Nova Scotia

1. A Helpful Guide by the
Nova Scotia Doula Assocation

2.  The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek,
meaning "a woman who serves," and is now
used to refer to a trained and experienced
professional who provides continuous
physical, emotional and informational
support to the mother (and her partner)
before, during and just after birth; or who
provides emotional and practical support
during the postpartum period.
www.nsdoulas.ca

3.  A doula values Compassion, Patience,
Empathy, Informed Choice and Continuous
Care.
 Doulas can be male or female
 Doulas don’t always have children of their
own
 Doulas (especially birth doulas) must be ready
to prioritize birth – you might get called out
in the middle of the night or have to miss a
family event.
www.nsdoulas.ca

4.  Antenatal Doulas
 Birth Doulas
 Postpartum Doulas
 Sibling Doulas
 Distance Doulas
There are many different types of doulas, and each doula
brings a unique skillset and personality to her client.
www.nsdoulas.ca

5.  Late Pregnancy
Support
 Birth Planning
 Continuous
Labor & Birth
Support
 Breastfeeding
Support
 Immediate
Postpartum
Support
 IVF Support
 Pregnancy
Support
 Miscarriage
Support
 Bedrest Support
 Prenatal
Planning and
Education
www.nsdoulas.ca

6.  Companionship
 Care for older
children during
labor and birth
 Assistance with
home duties
 Breastfeeding
Support
 Care for older
children
postpartum
 Breastfeeding
Support
 Postpartum
Assistance
 Home Duties
Support
 Monitoring for
Postpartum
Depression
www.nsdoulas.ca

7. Distance doulas are relatively new, and are
certified, experienced doulas who provide
support and companionship via email, Skype
and phone to families who are too far away
for regular meetings.
Distance doulas may provide a variety of
supports, but are especially useful during the
antenatal and postpartum periods.
www.nsdoulas.ca

8. In Nova Scotia, doulas are not a regulated
profession. Most doulas choose to certify
through a known certifying body, and
certification is mandatory to become a full
member of the NSDA
 The average doula training workshop is 3 days.
 You will need to participate in at least 5 births to
certify
 Ongoing education after certification is important
too!
www.nsdoulas.ca

9. The NSDA recognizes the following certifying bodies
for doula training:
 DONA
 Birth Arts International
 HALO
 CAPPA
This is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome doulas
from other certifying bodies to contact us regarding
membership.
Contact the certifying body directly for training
workshop information.
www.nsdoulas.ca

10. The NSDA does not endorse or affiliate with
any one particular certifying body.
Doulas in training are welcome to join the
NSDA as an associate member prior to
certification.
The NSDA does not provide doula certification
training, but rather focuses on creating a
supportive community of doulas in Nova
Scotia
www.nsdoulas.ca