Birth Doulas

A Birth Doula is a birth companion who provides personal, nonmedical support to birthing people and families throughout a person's pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experience.

*Reciprocity for Birth Doulas from Washington is currently on pause, as of 2/11/2026. There is not an expected reinstatement date yet but please see our announcements on the main page for updates.

Birth Doula Certification Standards

Oregon training requirements are comprehensive because of the need for a highly competent and skilled workforce to serve the greater needs and diversity of the Medicaid recipient populations.

Midwifery education, nursing training, or online childbirth and doula training courses are not accepted as substitutions for in-person doula training. Criteria, description, and training requirements for a birth doula are set by Oregon Administrative Rules 950-060-0150. The childbirth education and labor/birth doula training courses taken should cover the core curriculum topics described below:

Birth Doula Certification Requirements (New Applicants)

Oregon state certified birth doula's can serve Oregon Health Plan members and be reimbursed for those services. To become an Oregon state certified birth doula, complete the eleven (11) requirements below:

A minimum of 28 contact hours of in-person education offered by an Authority approved training program, that includes any combination of childbirth education and birth doula training. Resources for meeting requirement: Find a list of OHA-Approved Doula Training.
Six contact hours in cultural competency training. Resources for meeting requirement: OHA-approved Cultural Competency trainings are listed on the E & I website or you can take in-person courses through an accredited higher education institution, local hospital or medical clinic. An online course for Cultural Competency is Think Cultural Health. Recommended is the e-learning course for Nurses and Social Workers, which is a free course worth 9 CEUs.
One hour of interprofessional collaboration. Resources for meeting requirement: PDX Doulas offers the Collaborative Practice course in the Portland Metro area. Other such courses should clearly indicate that the topics covered relate to communication and professionalism when working with other health care team members. It is a good idea to submit a brief topic outline along with the certificate of attendance. Courses can be taken through local hospitals or clinics or in online courses.
One hour of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance
Four hours of trauma-informed care. Resources for meeting requirement: You can take courses through an accredited higher education institution, local hospital, CCO, or e-learning options. A great resource is Trauma-Informed Oregon
A current CPR certification for children/infants and adults. Resources for meeting requirement: CPR Certification can be obtained through your local Red Cross or hospitals.
Complete a 1.5 hour OHA-approved oral health training. Resources for meeting requirement: Birth doulas are required to take a course on oral health training either online at Oral Health Training or in person by an OHA-approved instructor.
Create a community resource list for the geographical areas served
Document attendance at a minimum of three births
Document attendance at a minimum of three postpartum visits

Reciprocity
The THW Program includes a reciprocity option for individuals who hold certifications as Birth Doulas in Alaska and Idaho only, and are in good standing with their certifying body. To apply for reciprocity, you will need to:
Complete and submit the Reciprocity Form to: THW.Program@oha.oregon.gov
Meet any additional criteria set by the OHA for reciprocity and equivalent credits.
Complete application
Complete oral health training
Complete background check

Standards of Professional Conduct
As a THW Doula, there are Standards of Professional Conduct you are obligated to follow so you should become familiar with them.
Once you are certified, go to "Guidelines for THW Doulas Serving OHP Members" for information on how to get started serving OHP clients and being reimbursed.