What Makes a Great Birth Doula Training?

Have you been thinking about becoming a doula?

Welcome to the club of people passionate about serving birth and postpartum!

Being a doula is not a one-size fits all career, and doula trainings aren’t one-size fits all either.

In fact, if you’ve been thinking about it long enough, you’ve probably noticed there are a lot of training options out there! Some are short and online, some are in-person and immersive, and the price tags can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand.

So how do you know which doula training is really worth it?

We’ve worked alongside doulas trained through a variety of programs. Over the years, we’ve learned that the difference between a good training and a great one often comes down to three things: depth, professionalism, and support.

A great doula training goes beyond the basics of what to do during labor. It digs deep into the why behind your role — the emotional, physical, and informational ways doulas make a difference.

The best trainings are interactive and evidence-based, allowing you to practice comfort measures, communication techniques, and real-world scenarios so that you leave feeling confident, not just informed.

Being a doula isn’t just about passion — it’s a profession! A strong training program teaches you how to show up for families and for yourself as a professional. That includes understanding ethics, boundaries, collaboration with care providers, and how to build a sustainable practice.

We believe professionalism is what helps doulas gain respect within the birth community and ensures families receive consistent, high-quality care. We also believe that professionalism is built in community of doulas at different stages!

The best trainings don’t end when the last session wraps up. New doulas thrive when they have mentors and peers to lean on. That’s why we include ongoing mentorship from the Transitions Team with our upcoming DONA International Birth Doula Training — so new doulas feel supported as they begin their first births, build confidence, and work toward certification.

When you’re surrounded by experienced doulas who are actively serving families, you don’t just learn — you grow.

This February, we’re proud to host a DONA International Birth Doula Training right here in Sioux Falls in our beautiful community space.

DONA International is recognized worldwide as the gold standard in doula education. Their trainings emphasize evidence-based care, ethical practice, and deep compassion — values that align beautifully with our mission at Transitions.

This 4-day, in-person training will be led by Joyce Dykema, a DONA-approved trainer who brings years of experience and heart to her work.

📅 Dates: February 19–22, 2026
📍 Location: Transitions: Doula & Life Services, 2908 E 26th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Registration details will be available soon, but you can join our interest list now to be the first to receive updates when registration opens! Just reply to this email, or message Renee at renee@transitionsdoulaservices.com to learn more.

If you feel called to birth work, the right training will not only teach you what to do — it will help you discover who you are as a doula. It will set you up for success in supporting families for years to come!

Choose a program that invests in your future, connects you with community, and sets you up for long-term success.

We can’t wait to help you get started.

💜The Transitions Team