Holistic Doula Certificate

Comprehensive Birth & Postpartum Doula Training in BC

Program Overview

Prepare to support individuals and families through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period with Pacific Rim College’s Holistic Doula Certificate. This comprehensive 270-hour doula training program integrates prenatal, birth and postpartum doula education with holistic approaches to family support.

Students develop practical skills for supporting clients throughout the childbearing journey, including birth preparation, comfort measures, labour support, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, communication and professional doula practice.

The program also explores nutrition, herbal medicine and other holistic approaches relevant to pregnancy, birth and postpartum wellbeing, giving students a broad foundation for providing individualized, compassionate and evidence-informed support.

Offered through Pacific Rim College in Victoria, British Columbia, the Holistic Doula Certificate is designed for students seeking comprehensive doula training and the practical skills needed to begin developing a professional doula practice. The Holistic Doula Certificate is the most comprehensive Doula program in North America.

Credential: Holistic Doula Certificate
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Study Format: On Campus, Victoria, BC
Intakes: September and January
Training Focus: Prenatal, birth and postpartum doula support
Professional Focus: Practical doula skills, holistic family support and professional practice

Hours: 270 total
Program Enrolment: Maximum 18

Curriculum

Study Options

Admissions

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Post Grad

FAQ

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I am so grateful to have made the decision to attend the Holistic Doula Certification at PRC. I left the program feeling excited, prepared and inspired to work as a Doula. Not only did I gain the practical knowledge and technical skills to work as a doula but I also learned the business skills to make this work obtainable and sustainable.

– Gabrielle Emmett, Alumnus

Become a Doula

Doulas provide non-medical physical, emotional and informational support to individuals and families during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period.

PRC’s Holistic Doula Certificate provides education across the childbearing journey rather than focusing exclusively on birth. Students develop skills in prenatal preparation, labour and birth support, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, communication and professional practice.

Students also explore holistic approaches that can complement doula care, drawing on areas such as nutrition and herbal medicine while learning to work within an appropriate non-medical scope of practice.

This comprehensive approach prepares graduates to support clients through multiple stages of pregnancy, birth and early postpartum life while developing the practical and professional skills needed to establish a doula practice.

Birth and Postpartum Doula Training in One Program

Birth doulas and postpartum doulas support families at different stages of the childbearing journey.

Birth doulas primarily provide support during pregnancy, labour and birth, while postpartum doulas focus on the transition after birth, helping families adjust during the early postpartum period.

Rather than requiring students to choose between these pathways at the beginning of their education, PRC’s Holistic Doula Certificate provides training across prenatal, birth and postpartum support.

This gives graduates a broader foundation from which to develop their doula practice and determine how they would like to work with clients after graduation.

Want to understand the different types of doula work?

Read our guide to Birth Doula vs. Postpartum Doula: The Complete Guide to Training for Both.

Why Study Doula Care at Pacific Rim College?

Comprehensive Birth & Postpartum Training. Develop skills across pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum care rather than limiting your education to a single stage of the childbearing journey.

A Holistic Approach to Doula Care. Explore nutrition, herbal medicine and holistic approaches to wellbeing alongside practical doula skills, communication and family support.

Practical, Career-Focused Education. Build practical skills for supporting clients while learning about professional boundaries, communication, business development and establishing a doula practice.

Learn Within a Holistic Health College. Study doula care within Pacific Rim College’s broader community of holistic health education, alongside disciplines including nutrition, herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What You’ll Learn:

Key Learning Outcome #1

To gain the skills and knowledge to work as a Prenatal, Birth and Postpartum Doula.

Key Learning Outcome #2

The experience to establish a private inclusive doula services business or join or create an integrative health clinic or birthing centre.

Key Learning Outcome #3

An in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, especially in relation to the human reproductive system.

Key Learning Outcome #4

Working knowledge of complementary therapies to provide enhanced, safe client experiences.

Key Learning Outcome #5

Ethics of the Doula practitioner and a strong understanding of the role of the midwife and other medical practitioners.

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The Holistic Doula program really exceeded all of my expectations. The teachers were all amazing professionals from their field, many of them still practicing while teaching. They created a safe space to explore ourselves as Doulas and as individuals. I left the program with a huge amount of confidence, a plethora of new skills and an authentic Doula practice. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a well rounded Doula training program and also to practicing Doulas looking to upgrade their training (like I was). For the ultimate Doula training program, look no further!

– Vanessa Brown, Alumnus

Core Program Instructors

Trained as a Wholistic Doula and Registered Nurse, Amber has invested into many families as a Doula and Palliative Nurse, creating successful businesses to support families transitioning at both ends of the spectrum.

Study Options

The Holistic Doula Certificate Program is offered on a full-time basis over 13.5 weeks (20 hours per week of study). The program begins every September and January.

	Fall September – December	Winter January – April
Thursday	3:45-7:00pm	3:45-7pm
Friday	3:45-7:00pm	3:45-7pm
Saturday	9:00am-5:30pm	9:00am-5:30pm
Sunday	9:00am-5:30pm	9:00am-530pm
Schedule	Schedule Available 6 weeks before Semester Start	Schedule Available 6 weeks before Semester Start

Curriculum

The Holistic Doula Certificate provides a practical foundation with varying therapeutic approaches, enabling graduates to become competent and confident doulas. The depth and breadth of this program not only provides tools for the doula’s practice, but also takes students on their own journey, finding what doula work will mean for them from an intentional and educated perspective.

Below are the courses that comprise the Holistic Doula Certificate Program. Successful completion of all components is necessary for graduation.

Holistic Doula Certificate

DCP101

Doula Clinic

18 hours 18

DLA/BMS105

Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology for Doulas

45 hours 45

DLA101

Doula Training and Ethics

39 hours 39

DLA102

Intro to Midwifery & Primary Health Providers

21 hours 21

DLA103

Energetics of Doula Work

14 hours 14

DLA104

Intro to “Family Support” for Doulas

14 hours 14

DLA105

Intro to Herbal Medicine for Doulas

21 hours 21

DLA106

Tai Qi for Doulas

15 hours 15

DLA107

Holistic Nutrition for Pregnancy and Childbirth

21 hours 21

DLA108

Acupressure for Pregnancy and Childbirth

10 hours 10

DLA109

Yogatherapy for Doulas

14 hours 14

DLA112

Doula Research and Presentations

10 hours 10

DLA113

Business Skills for Doulas

14 hours 14

DLA116

Infant Feeding Foundations & Support

14 hours 14

Total

270 hours 270 hrs

Admissions

Pacific Rim College is committed to educating the highest quality industry professionals, and we offer priority acceptance to applicants who demonstrate the highest potential for success. Admission into the Holistic Doula Certificate program at Pacific Rim College is on a competitive basis, and applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, humanitarian activities, community involvement, program-related experience, communication skills, professionalism, emotional maturity, independence, ambition, and passion.

General Admission Criteria

Admission requires successfully meeting the following minimum criteria:

Applicants must be 19 years of age or older, or have completed high school or an equivalent, such as the GED or CAEC. Applicants who are 19 or older without a high school diploma or equivalent may be considered for mature student status and will be required to complete an essay provided by the college.

English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements

Prior to acceptance applicants must meet at least one of the following language proficiency requirements:

Completion of grades 9-11, including English 11 with a grade of ‘60%’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) – An applicant must earn a score of no less than 16 out of 30 on any of the 4 test sections and a total score of no less than 75 out of 120.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – An applicant must earn an overall score of 5.5 or higher.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test – An applicant must earn an overall score of 40 or higher.
- Duolingo English Test – An applicant must earn an overall score of 95 or higher

To apply, please click on the link below:

We offer two semesters of study per year for this certificate program – Fall (September – December) and Winter (January-April). We do not have a set deadline for applications, and we will continue to accept students up until the start of classes provided there is space within the program, however, programs do fill prior to the semester start, so we recommend applying 3 months in advance of the intended start date.

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Tuition and Fees

Canadian Students

International Students

Early bird rates apply for this program. Apply and be accepted before June 1 for the Fall semester and October 1 for the Winter semester to receive 10% off your program tuition.

Graduates of PRC’s certificate or diploma programs are eligible for 20% off of total certificate tuition. Graduates who complete their acceptances before the early bird deadline for a 10% tuition discount will receive a total tuition discount of 30%.

Please click here for a description of Academic Fees in PDF format.

Financial Aid

This program is approved for Canada Student Loans. British Columbia residents can apply for student loans online through StudentAid BC. For non-British Columbia residents, please visit hrsdc.gc.ca for information about Canada Student Loans.

For a list of all financial aid programs available to PRC students, please visit our Financial Aid page.

Post-Graduation

Graduates of the Holistic Doula Certificate Program may work as Prenatal, Birth and Postpartum Doulas and may use knowledge and experience gained to establish a private inclusive doula services business or join or create an integrative health clinic or birthing centre.

Pacific Rim College certified Holistic Doulas (program alumni) have met the highest education standards available for doula training in North America. Having gained extensive education in a variety of disciplines, graduates are poised to change the current standards of what it means to be a doula in North America, working with an expanded scope that sets them apart.

All students are eligible to partake in the Doula Mentorship once they have completed all classroom requirements of the certificate program.

FAQs

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a person who assists labouring clients before, during and after labour by providing emotional and physical support and information to both labouring clients and their families. Emotional support may include encouragement, providing recommendations and assisting in decision-making. Physical support may include massage, nutritional guidance and postural recommendations.

Why was this program created?

This Holistic Doula Certificate was created to provide Doulas with exemplary knowledge and skills. Providing students with a strong education and practical foundation will translate into confident and competent Doulas when working with clients and building practices. No single component or discipline taught within the Holistic Doula Certificate is meant to be comprehensive or to lead to students becoming practitioners in that particular area. Instead, each component adds to the Doula’s competency and thus value to their clients. Program graduates will have a great breadth of foundational knowledge and skills to provide clients with better care and to refer them to additional resources and/or the appropriate health care provider.

What support is available to students?

All students are eligible to partake in the Doula Mentorship once they have completed all classroom requirements of the certificate program. In this complimentary program they meet regularly with Doula mentors and have phone support access. Examples of support provided throughout this program include looking at case studies of challenging births, Doula business support, and processing birth stories. The Doula Mentorship will help students establish a supportive Doula network as they embark on their new careers.

What are the graduation requirements of the Holistic Doula Certificate?

Students who successfully complete 90% of all required coursework and credits for this certificate program are eligible for graduation and will be awarded a certificate upon completion. Students who fail to successfully complete 90% of all required coursework and credits but have successfully completed at least 80% are eligible to retake components of the program in order to reach the 90% threshold and thus pass the program, provided that they do so within one calendar year from the end date of the program. Students who choose to retake components must make arrangements with the Program Director and will be subject to tuition fees for the components. Students who do not successfully complete at least 80% of all required coursework and credits in their first program attempt are not eligible to retake components or graduate.

How do I become a doula in British Columbia?

There is no single regulated licensing pathway to become a doula in British Columbia. Doulas are non-medical support professionals, and education and certification requirements can vary between training organizations and professional associations.
Comprehensive doula training can help prepare students with the knowledge, practical skills, professional boundaries and communication skills needed to support clients safely and effectively.
Pacific Rim College’s 270-hour Holistic Doula Certificate provides training in prenatal, birth and postpartum support while incorporating holistic approaches to family wellbeing and professional doula practice.

How long does it take to become a doula?

Doula training programs vary considerably in length and depth. Some introductory programs can be completed relatively quickly, while more comprehensive programs provide substantially more education across pregnancy, birth, postpartum care and professional practice.
PRC’s Holistic Doula Certificate includes 270 hours of training and provides education across prenatal, birth and postpartum doula support.

What is the difference between a birth doula and a postpartum doula?

Birth doulas primarily support clients during pregnancy, labour and birth. They may provide prenatal education, emotional support, comfort measures, advocacy support and continuous non-medical support throughout labour.
Postpartum doulas work with families after birth, supporting the transition into the postpartum period. Their work may include emotional support, newborn and family adjustment, breastfeeding support and practical assistance.
PRC’s Holistic Doula Certificate provides education in both birth and postpartum doula care, allowing students to develop skills across the childbearing journey.

Does the program train me to be both a birth doula and a postpartum doula?

Yes. PRC’s Holistic Doula Certificate provides education across prenatal, birth and postpartum support rather than requiring students to choose only one area.
This broader training allows graduates to determine whether they would like to focus their professional practice on birth support, postpartum care or provide continuity of support across multiple stages of the childbearing journey.

What will I learn in doula training?

Students develop knowledge and practical skills related to pregnancy, labour and birth, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, communication, comfort measures, professional boundaries and doula practice.
PRC’s program also incorporates holistic approaches relevant to pregnancy and postpartum wellbeing, including education in nutrition and herbal medicine.

Is doula training regulated in British Columbia?

Doula practice is not regulated as a health profession in British Columbia in the same way as professions such as midwifery, nursing or medicine.
Doulas provide non-medical support and must work within an appropriate scope of practice. Training organizations and professional associations may establish their own educational, certification or membership requirements.
Students interested in joining a particular professional organization should review that organization’s current requirements.

Is a doula the same as a midwife?

No. Doulas and midwives have very different roles.
A doula provides non-medical physical, emotional and informational support during pregnancy, birth and/or the postpartum period.
A midwife is a regulated healthcare professional who provides clinical maternity care within their professional scope, including medical assessment and management during pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum care.
Doulas can work alongside midwives, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals as part of a client’s broader support team.

Can I work as a doula after completing the Holistic Doula Certificate?

The Holistic Doula Certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to begin developing a professional doula practice.
Because doulas are not regulated as health professionals in British Columbia, there is no single provincial licence required to work as a doula. Individual employers, organizations, clients or professional associations may have additional requirements.

What should I look for when choosing a doula training program?

When comparing doula courses or training programs, consider the depth and length of the education, whether the program covers birth and postpartum support, opportunities to develop practical skills, instructor experience, professional practice education and the scope of the curriculum.
PRC’s Holistic Doula Certificate provides 270 hours of comprehensive training covering prenatal, birth and postpartum support alongside holistic approaches to family wellbeing and professional doula practice.

Where can I take doula training in BC?

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