Doula Initiative

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) aims to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum people, caregivers, and families by making Doulas available to those who want them. Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experience disproportionally poor health and birth outcomes, the purpose of the Doula Initiative is to eliminate health inequities and promote positive outcomes and experiences for all birthing families.

Doula Certification Program

The Doula Certification Program is a formal credentialing process through Department of Public Health and Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition to establish minimum standards for training, experience, knowledge, and professional conduct.

Doula certification is voluntary and free. DPH certification is not required to practice as a doula in Massachusetts, and it is separate from the MassHealth doula provider enrollment process. If you are already enrolled as a MassHealth doula provider, you will still need to complete the application process for DPH certification. If you are certified with DPH and have not enrolled with MassHealth as a provider, you will need to do this separately via MassHealth.

• For more information on the Doula Certification Program, please review the Doula Certification Program Guidelines.
• For more information on commonly asked questions, please review the Doula Certification FAQ Document.
• For more information on submitting a complaint against a DPH-certified doula, please review the Doula Certification Program Complaints Review Document.

For any questions, please email [e-mail]

Eligibility

To be eligible for DPH doula certification, applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Demonstrate proficiency in all six core competencies below either through the Experience Pathway, Training Pathway, MassHealth Pathway, or Reciprocity Pathway:
   1. Maternal anatomy and physiology during the perinatal period, including basic fetal growth and development in each trimester of pregnancy
   2. Common medical interventions during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
   3. Common potential complications associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, including but not limited to:
      1. Pregnancy and infant loss
      2. Mental health conditions, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)        
      3. Substance use disorder (SUD)
      4. High blood pressure
   4. Labor and delivery comfort measures
   5. Best practices for supporting members in advocating for their needs and making informed decisions using a trauma-informed approach
   6. Basic newborn care, including the fundamentals of breastfeeding/chestfeeding
3. Have successfully completed a MassHealth-related requirement, either through the MassHealth Doula Provider Training or an on-demand webinar on benefits, support available for, and opportunities inherent in being a MassHealth doula provider (more information coming soon)
4. Be of good moral character
5. Attest to the Doula Code of Conduct

You can learn more about the certification requirements in our Doula Certification Program Application Checklist.

You can also learn more about the CORI check in our Doula Certification Program CORI Check Guidance.

How to apply

You can submit an application electronically through the Health Professions Licensing System.

1. Create an account or sign into your account on Massachusetts Department of Public Health eLicensing System
2. On the Home Page, select “Apply for a New License”
3. Under “Search Criteria”, type “Doula”
4. Under “Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition,” select “View More”
5. Under “Doula Certification,” select “Apply”
6. Complete all sections of the application and submit

For more information on how to utilize the health professions licensing system, please visit the Health Professions Licensing System User Guide.

Doula Training Scholarship

The application period for the 2026 DPH Doula Training Scholarship is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. We anticipate opening the next scholarship application round in late 2026 to early 2027. Please check back on this page for updates and future application details.

What is a Doula?

A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to people giving birth. Doulas are trained to help during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby is born. They are not medical providers, but they can make you feel comfortable and cared for. Some doulas may provide services during other reproductive and life changing moments such as during an abortion, fertility treatment, and even during the end of life. While DPH acknowledges the importance and role of all of these doulas, this site will provide information on the doulas that support the process of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 

Doula Initiative Vision Statement

All Massachusetts pregnant and birthing people, caregivers, and families have access to high quality, affordable Doula services as part of a compassionate, respectful health care system.

Doula Initiative Purpose

DPH aims to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum people, caregivers, and families by encouraging the development of a high-quality and robust doula workforce and helping to integrate doulas into the health care and public health systems to ensure that doulas available to those who want them.

We currently do not offer Doula trainings. If you are looking to train as a doula, please contact the Massachusetts Doula Coalition or your local doula group to learn about options. DPH will be launching its doula certification program in early 2026.

Doula Initiative Team

The Doula Initiative Team seeks to align efforts, identify strategic priorities, and promote collaboration to support and expand the doula profession across the Commonwealth.

Doula Initiative Leadership

• Rebecca Herman, Director, MA Community Birth and Doula Initiative
• Sonia Chang, Program Coordinator, MA Community Birth and Doula Initiative
• Maia Raynor, Maternal and Child Health Program and Policy Manager
• Cristina Alonso, Director, Division of Pregnancy, Infancy and Early Childhood

Doula Initiative Activities

Doula hospital collaboration

DPH is working to make medical practices and hospitals across Massachusetts more doula-friendly—facilities that welcome and collaborate with doulas as valued members of the birthing care team. For hospitals and practices seeking formal integration, DPH offers technical assistance on education, establishing collaboratives, workflows, and policies that promote stronger partnership among doulas, clinical providers, and families. DPH also supports collaboration between independent doulas and clinical providers, encouraging open communication and shared decision-making while honoring doula autonomy, lived experience, and community connections.

If you are a hospital or medical practice looking to improve collaboration with doulas, please contact [e-mail]

Doula workforce development

DPH is investing in the growth of a diverse, skilled, and sustainable doula workforce across Massachusetts. The Doula Training Scholarship provides financial support for individuals pursuing doula training or continuing education, as well as a Train-the-Trainer Program for experienced doulas to become educators and mentors within their communities. These initiatives expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive doula care, especially in communities facing health inequities and systemic barriers to perinatal care.

If you would like more information regarding becoming a doula trainer or applying for the training scholarship, please email us at [e-mail].

Doula certification

The Division of Pregnancy, Infancy, and Early Childhood (DPIE) manages a free and voluntary doula certification program. By offering a certification program for doulas, DPH is establishing minimum standards for education, training, and experience for DPH-certified doulas to meet to ensure the integrity and competency of doula services in Massachusetts and promote health, wellness, and safety. The certification of doulas will allow for quality assurance for consumers and doulas.  

Contact MassHealth about Doula Services Program

If you are a doula with questions about MassHealth’s Doula Services Program, please visit MassHealth Doula Services Program: Information for Doulas website. You can also contact the MassHealth provider support team at [phone], TTD/TTY: 711 or [e-mail].

If you are a MassHealth member with questions about MassHealth’s Doula Services Program, please call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at [phone] or TDD/TTY: 711. You can also find information for pregnant MassHealth members at www.mass.gov/masshealthpregnancy.

Contact Doula Initiative

Any questions related to the MA Department of Public Health's Doula Initiative and efforts including but not limited to credentialing, hospital integration, workforce development, and other related topics should be directed to [e-mail].