Community-based doulas provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Doulas center the needs of the birthing person and family, offering comfort, advocacy, and culturally competent care, often sharing community ties with clients.

The NJMIHIA Doula Team supports doulas pursuing NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) provider enrollment, helping build a sustainable pipeline of trusted birth workers across the state. 

The training prepares doulas to support families across the perinatal period with an emphasis on cultural competence, trust-building, and addressing disparities in care for families of color and those facing economic challenges.

The training spans between 7 to 8 weeks and consists of three half-days of training per week. Training is currently only offered in person, but hybrid models are in development.

Trainees will receive hands-on and classroom-based instruction through the NJMIHIA Community-Based Doula Core Curriculum, as well as:

• CPR and HIPAA Certification
• Cultural Competency Training provided by NJ’s Department of Health
• Three practical birth experiences

The NJMIHIA Doula Team will support each trainee through the entire training and enrollment process.

To participate, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of New Jersey
• Be available to attend all training sessions

If you are currently employed and training hours overlap with your schedule, you must submit a signed letter from your employer confirming their support.