Certify with PALS
PALS Doulas is committed to fostering and supporting a community of professional certified doulas that recognizes and practices within a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. We are locally as well as internationally recognized as a leading organization in the birth doula field. By certifying with PALS, you add your voice to an effort to increase education and acceptance of doulas in birth spaces and improve outcomes for families most impacted by the perinatal health crisis.
Certification is intended for doulas that value the process of peer evaluation, self-assessment, and local community. Read on to find out more benefits of become a PALS Certified Doula!
Benefits of certification
Certification and Referrals
Certification and Referrals
PALS Doulas does not offer proprietary training and as such, is one of the only third-party certifying organizations in the US. All certified and certifying doulas are asked to uphold the PALS Guiding Principles: Standards or Practice, Code of Ethics, Mission, Vision, and Values Statements.
All PALS Certified Doulas are eligible to be connected with referral requests received by PALS.
Monthly Doula Meetings
Monthly Doula Meetings
PALS sponsors frequent casual gatherings that combine educational topics with community building. Meetings are held throughout King County as well as virtually. We alternate between evening times and mornings to be as accessible as possible. Attendance during monthly meetings counts for one hour of continuing education applicable to annual certification or re-certification. Visit calendar page for dates and meeting locations. Doulas are encouraged to suggest specific topics or speakers.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education
PALS Doulas sponsors frequent Advanced Doula Training (ADTs). Six hours of PALS sponsored continuing education are included with annual certification at zero additional cost.
Doulamatch.net Profile
Doulamatch.net Profile
PALS Doulas are provided with a $15.00 discount code for doulamatch.net, one of the leading doula-finding websites for clients. This profile links to our website directory so that families can find available PALS Certified Doulas.
Advertising
Advertising
PALS Doulas have individual profiles listed on our website. We receive many doula requests from expecting families and refer those on to our membership. PALS Doulas offers supporting individuals and businesses the option to be featured on our website and print material.
Private Community FB Group
Addition to our Facebook Group Page
PALS Doulas maintains a private Facebook group page; another place Certified community members can receive online support and have discussions.
Mentorship and Connection
Addition to our Facebook Group Page
PALS Doulas supports an environment where all doulas can support one another and draw upon a community of mentorship to encourage growth and sustainability.
Informational Brochures
Informational Brochures
Brochures describing PALS Doulas services are available to members at no charge. These brochures are also shared with providers and included in informational packets provided to expectant families through our partners at Great Starts-Parent Trust for Washington Families. Email us for more information.
Eastside Health Network
Eastside Health Network
In 2021, Microsoft added a new doula benefit to their plan administered by Premera. All certified doulas in our directory are qualified to use and access this benefit (Doula Reimbursement Form). Doulas included in the network will also be found on the EHN website here (https://www.eastsidehealthnetwork.com/about-ehn/). Entollment in this benefit is anticipated to open up twice a year.
Certification Fees
- Covers certification and benefits (listed above)
- Covers certification and benefits
- Supports PALS operating costs
- Funds scholarships for doulas in need and/or equity and social justice projects
- The PALS Community offers certifications at multiple levels for BIPOC doulas as a form or reparation and for low income doulas.
FAQ
PALS Core Competencies
PALS Certification Process