Pregnancy and giving birth can be one of the most exciting and happy experiences in a family’s life. It can also be complicated and scary — especially for women of color in the United States, who experience disproportionately high maternal mortality rates (deaths per 100,000 live births).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are stark differences in maternal death rates across different racial and ethnic groups:
Black non-Hispanic women: The mortality rate is 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Asian non-Hispanic women: The mortality rate is 18.1 deaths per 100,000 live births.
White non-Hispanic women: The mortality rate is 14.2 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Hispanic women: The mortality rate is 12.1 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Studies show however, that the presence of a doula — a trained assistant who provides non-medical support and advocacy during pregnancy and childbirth — during perinatal care can lead to positive delivery outcomes, including reduced caesarean sections, premature deliveries and reduced length of labor.
Notably, demand for doulas is projected to increase 16% by 2029. The average salary for a doula in the United States ranges between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. However, depending on your experience, availability and where you live, your earnings could be much higher. In New York City, the average hourly rate for a doula is around $43, which translates to $89,000 annually (pre-tax), based on a standard 40-hour work week with no time off.
So if you are considering a career as a doula, here is some key information about your options — as well as some tuition-free or low-cost training options available in New York City through community-based organizations, colleges and city-funded maternal health workforce programs.
What kinds of doulas are there?
Birth Doulas
Most often the term doula refers to a birth doula or labor support companion. Birth doulas provide continuous support to mothers before, during and right after childbirth. They can help birthing people prepare for delivery, breastfeeding and even some parenting. They provide support during the process of labor and birth through guidance on optimal physical movement, breathing and relaxation techniques.
Postpartum Doulas
Post-partum doulas help make the transition from pregnancy to motherhood smoother by providing care and support during the early days of welcoming a brand new baby. Post-partem doulas offer physical and emotional recovery support after birth, guidance on infant behavior and parent-infant bonding. They may also assist with household tasks so that the parent can rest and recover.
Community-based Doulas
Community-based doulas provide families with support and culturally-based knowledge through the perinatal period. Often sharing the same background, culture or language as their clients, community-based doulas are advocates who often provide a holistic assessment of their clients’ needs and connect them to a host of community resources such as free diapers, food pantries and support for housing stability.
How can I become eligible for doula training programs?
While mandatory degrees or state licenses are not usually required, certification is highly recommended. Some programs require that participants have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old, and complete some specific educational steps such certain foundational workshops as well as CPR and lactation training.
Where can I get free or low-cost training to become a doula?
Medgar Evers College & NYC Her Future: This 10-week tuition-free community doula training program is held at the CUNY campus in Brooklyn (1638 Bedford Avenue). Open to the public, students will learn foundational birth and postpartum skills to support expectant mothers. The curriculum combines real-world experiences with lectures, simulation technology and in-class skills practice. The next cycle will run in September, and interested applicants can reach out to Dr. Daniels at 917-684-5148 for more information.
- Location: Medgar Evers College, 1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11225
- Cost: Free
- Where to Apply: Call 917-684-5148 in August 2026 or submit an inquiry
Maternal Health and DONA Doula Training Program: The Kingsborough Community College — a CUNY affiliate — offers a 48-hour course on maternal health, where students will become trained as birth doulas, including basic clinical knowledge of preconception, pregnancy and postpartum. Only a high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll, and students must be at least 18 years old. Students who graduate from this course will receive a CUNY Certificate of Completion in Maternal Health and the DONA Certificates of Completion in “Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas,” “Lactation Support Education” and “DONA International Birth Doula Training.”
Tuition costs $575 and there is a $25 registration fee. Interested people can apply here.
- Location: Kingsborough Community College, 2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn
- Cost: $575 + $25 registration fee
- Where to Apply: Via the CUNY Admissions Website
NYC Health Citywide Doula Initiative: The NYC Department of Health sponsors a community-based training program with the aim to increase the number of doulas in underserved neighborhoods. Priority is given to applicants who are bilingual or who live in one of the “Taskforce for Racial Inclusion and Equity” areas.
The free multi-day workshops are held once a year, with the next cycle opening in 2027. Potential applicants can inquire about the training cohort by calling 844-OK-DOULA or emailing cdi@health.nyc.gov. Upon successful completion of the workshop, newly trained doulas enroll in a six-month apprenticeship with one of the eight CDI programs to receive mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Location: To be determined
- Cost: Free
- Where to Apply: Call 844-OK-DOULA or email cdi@health.nyc.gov
