Become a Doula with Sierra Doula Academy

Doula Training & Doula Services in Sacramento

DONA Doula Training

Our in-person and online doula trainings are DONA approved.

Online Doula Training


Get your postpartum or birth doula training online with SDA.

Doula Mentorship & Coaching

8-week online doula mentorship program and ongoing suport.

Doula Services


Postpartum and birth doula services in Sacramento, CA.

About Us

Our approach to supporting families through birth is different.

Welcome to Sierra Doula Academy!
Empowering birth professionals through education, mentorship, and community.

If you feel called to support birthing families—or you’re looking for continuing education and mentorship to grow your established doula practice—Sierra Doula Academy, based in Sacramento, California, is here for you. We provide comprehensive doula training, certification, and mentorship for both aspiring and experienced childbirth professionals.

Our programs include:

  • Birth and Postpartum Doula Training Workshops

  • Continuing Education Classes

  • One-on-One Doula Mentorship

All of our core trainings are approved by DONA International, who has set the standard for doula training and certification. 


Become a Certified Doula—In Person or Online

At Sierra Doula Academy, we provide holistic, evidence-based training for both birth and postpartum doulas, with flexible options for online or in-person learning. Our small-group classes create a personalized, supportive environment designed to help you grow with confidence.

Whether you’re:

  • Training to become a birth or postpartum doula

  • Pursuing continuing education for doulas

  • Preparing for a career in midwifery

  • A nursing student or labor & delivery nurse seeking deeper labor support skills

—our programs offer meaningful, real-world learning that traditional education often overlooks.

Join a welcoming community of passionate professionals and begin your journey with Sierra Doula Academy—where your calling becomes your career.

 

Are you interested in learning how to support your loved one during childbirth? Or perhaps you’re unsure if you’re ready to become a professional doula? There’s no need to commit to a full doula training– Our Birth Support Basics class is designed specifically for you!

Years Experience
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DONA Doula Training Options

What we offer
2 women during doula training

Birth Doula Training

This DONA-approved doula training offers an in-depth exploration of historical and conventional perspectives on childbirth. You will discover the unique role of Birth Doulas and learn how we can support women and families in reconnecting with the ancient wisdom of birthing and parenting.
2 women learning breastfeeding techniques in Doula Training

Postpartum Doula Training

In this DONA-approved postpartum doula training, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the doula's role during the postpartum period. We explore the emotional and spiritual aspects of birth and the journey of welcoming a newborn into the family.
Woman teaching Lamaze Class as CEU for Birth professionals

Continuing Education Classes

These courses for birth professionals offer a thorough exploration of essential topics, including labor support, pre-birth preparation, and specialized knowledge in postpartum care. Elevate your practice with our continuing education classes!

Sierra Doulas proudly supports families throughout California’s Sacramento Valley with nurturing care from pregnancy through postpartum. Our team of birth and postpartum doulas is thoughtfully selected from our own alumni—each having received in-depth training and personalized mentorship through our program.

✨ Ready to feel supported every step of the way? Reach out to learn more or get matched with one of our compassionate doulas today.

Online Doula Training On Laptop at Home with Tea
Become a Doula Online

Online Doula Training

Our DONA approved online birth and postpartum doula training workshops and continuing education classes are held live and provide the same valuable content as our in-person classes – from the comfort of your own home!

Why Choose Us For Your Doula Training

Sierra Doula Academy: Educating & Nurturing Birth Professionals Since 2002

Founded by Janine Maitri, Sierra Doula Academy, formally Sierra Childbirth Institute, has been a leading resource for aspiring and established birth professionals. Janine began her journey as a birth professional in 1982, driven by a passion for helping babies, mothers, and families experience positive and empowering births. For over 40 years, she has been dedicated to raising awareness about the ancient wisdom and natural instincts inherent in the birthing process.

In 2019, Janine brought her vision to the Sacramento Valley, opening a school for birth professionals in the Arden area. Supported by a skilled team of instructors and caring staff, Sierra Doula Academy offers comprehensive doula training workshops and continuing education to birth professionals worldwide, fostering a community committed to compassionate and informed birth support.

DONA Approved Doula Trainings

Our birth and postpartum doula training workshops are approved by DONA International—the pioneering and leading organization for doula training since its founding in 1992. As a non-profit, DONA is dedicated to setting a high professional standard for doula education and ensuring that more families have access to quality doula support. Completing our birth and postpartum doula workshop fulfills a key certification requirement: the doula training. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch your practice and start supporting families right away.

Doula Mentorship & Coaching

Effective mentoring can help doulas navigate challenges and establish best practices, setting the stage for a successful start or enhancing an existing practice. Our team of three mentors brings over 60 years of combined experience and a genuine passion for helping doulas thrive. With various aspects to consider in building and sustaining a doula practice, we are here to meet you where you are and provide the support and guidance you need on your doula journey!

Doula Business Training

After completing your doula training, starting your own doula business can seem overwhelming. Our business development class builds on the foundation of your doula training, offering in-depth guidance on structuring your practice and developing a successful small business. With small class sizes, we ensure a personalized learning experience, and our 5-hour class is designed for intimate groups—so no matter where you are on your doula journey, we’re here to support you. This class is perfect for newly trained doulas who may feel uncertain about their business skills. We provide a step-by-step approach along with valuable resources to help you grow your business, allowing you to focus on what you’re truly passionate about—serving families in your community!

Reviews

What They Say

Maria Chalko
03:21 30 Jan 25
My brain is full and my excitement is high ! The accelerated classes were so worth the time and money. The founder of the school and instructor Janine is so incredibly experienced and knowledgeable I wish I could mind meld with her. Planning on taking more classes!
Chalese Clampitt
21:43 11 Nov 24
This is an amazing doula program. I learned so much. Janine is highly knowledgeable and very caring. She delivered the information flawlessly and always spent time answering any questions. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to become a birth doula.
Melanie Jeffs
21:07 01 Jul 24
I loved doing the doula training with Janine! She is an excellent teacher!
Anna Durdant-Hollamby
00:23 09 Jun 24
Absolutely loved the birth doula training that I did with SCI and the wonderful Janine. The space itself is so warm, inviting and welcoming and Janine and her co-facilitator brought so much experience, wisdom and insight into the classes. I am a recent Sacramento transplant and SCI was one of the first places that I felt truly at home. The material was engaging and very well paced over the few days. I also really appreciated the inclusivity and intentionality of the language and the connections with the other lovely participants with whom did the training. It was a 10/10 experience and I very much hope/plan to do more training with them in the future. I wholeheartedly recommend SCI to anyone who wants to learn about becoming a doula, parent-educator, parent themselves or general birth practitioner. Also these are amazing classes for anyone who wants to engage with life and its transitions esp around pregnancy and birth more deeply. Thank you Janine, Brooklyn and SCI practitioners/colleagues.
Cassie Ray
11:59 08 Jun 24
Sierra Childbirth was such an impactful part of my beginning journey as a doula. I loved all of the personal experience and hands on learning I received.
Serene DeCamp
23:51 07 Jun 24
SCI delivered a wonderful, comprehensive birth doula workshop for myself and several others a few years back. I highly recommend this institute upon starting your doula journey!
Tonya Bridges
22:13 07 Jun 24
Sierra Childbirth Institute has fantastic teachers and community for aspiring birth workers. They have provided excellent classes, mentorship and programs which have greatly boosted my Doula skills!
Elizabeth Joy
20:23 10 Apr 24
Everything done at Sierra Childbirth Institute is done with excellence. The amount of experience and expertise Janine has is evident in her trainings (I've done three now) and she is great with communication as well. Highly recommend.

We are now Sierra Doula Academy (formerly Sierra Childbirth Institute)

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