I've been researching like crazy, trying to decide which program to get my doula certification through and there are so many, each with something different to offer, that I am having a difficult time. At first I thought I would try ALACE since I heard they had a very holistic approach which matches more with my personal philosophy but I didn't see anything on their page for doula training, only for a childbirth educator.

Right now I think I am mostly stuck between BAI and CBI. CBI seems to have good reviews and I've heard their program is very thorough and comprehensive. Plus, I like that it will be able to fit into my busy schedule at my convenience. However, BAI looks as though it has a somewhat holistic and spiritual approach as well (how it compares to ALACE I have no idea, since I couldn't find anything on the ALACE page about doula training). I am just hoping maybe there are some helpful words of advice or opinions from women who have trained through these programs, in order to help guide my decision.

I'm currently working on labor doula certification through BAI, and I love it. BAI does have a more holistic/spiritual approach than some of the other organizations (from what I could tell by reading website info, anyway), and that was something that really appealed to me. Demetria Clark is awesome, and she's very responsive and approachable when you have questions; the few times I have emailed her about questions I had regarding the coursework, I have always received a response within a day. It is also one of the more affordable options for doula certifications, and they offer partial scholarships to those who might not otherwise be able to afford the training.

I have no basis for comparison to other doula training organizations, but based on my own experience with BAI, I would recommend it whole hearetedly to someone else.

Thank you for your response. I am definitely leaning towards BAI's philosophy. My biggest draw with CBI was that they seemed so flexible and my schedule is already a little bit insane (work, school, homework, and fertility treatment) it leaves a tight schedule and flexibility is important for my sanity and my ability to make it through the coursework.

BAI is very flexible as well; that was something that was important to me, because I have 2 small children, ages 2 1/2 and 1 year. I wanted to know that, if I was unable to complete my certification requirements within the expected time frame, I would have recourse, rather than having to start over. Family obligations are important, and BAI recognizes that.

That's a relief to know because between work, school, homework, ongoing fertility treatment and just everyday life stuff my schedule is already packed pretty full (I'm probably crazy for adding another thing) but I really want to do this. It's just a matter of flexability. Maybe I missed it on the info page but how long is the course supposed to be completed over? I know CBI gives you 3 years to finish but it says you can finish in about 10 months. Most of the sites I looked at had a similar time frame of anywhere from 7-12 months and I just wondered how BAI compared.

ALACE's doula program is now called toLabor. It sounds like BAI might be a better fit for you schedule wise but I highly recommend toLabor if you can fit a training weekend in. IIRC you have 4 years to complete the cert requirements with them.

So I had thought I was pretty settled on BAI but now that I've found ALACE's program and read up I'm stuck again. toLabor looks liek a really great program as well. Weighing the pros and cons of each program is harder than I thought. I just want to make the best choice possible and choose the right fit for me in order to help mom's best in the future.

I was looking into toLabor but the requried workshop doesn't seem to be offered anywhere in the Denver area. Would I really have to fly out to another state for three or four days to complete the required workshop!!?

Lots of us used to have to do that.

I emailed toLabor and received a response today. Apparently my persistence in finding the new ALACE program and getting a hold of them was appreciated and they have asked if I could/would be a sponsor for my area. I am considering it, but there's a lot to think about it. Still it would be very nice to have them come to Denver or even to Boulder which is a drivable distance.

Can anyone tell me more about BAI's philosophy? I just can't find much on their website, especially about the spirituality aspect. At this point I'm leaning towards CBI, but am open to thoughts. Thanks!