You do not need a certification to practice as a postpartum doula in Iowa or any other state in the Midwestern US. Additionally, there is no requirement to have graduated college in order to perform work as a postpartum doula.
The following is a list of training courses available in Iowa which might be helpful for your postpartum doula education.  Please read the details to determine if the training provided are a required part of a certification process.  You must be 18 or older to register.
Postpartum Doula Training in Des Moines, IA
Organization Name:Â The Iowa Baby Lady
Website: http://www.theiowababylady.com
Instructor:Â Â Katie Nyberg, CPD, CD
Email:Â Â Katie@theiowababylady.com
Phone: Â 515-473-2737
Course and Workshop Details and Requirements
This a 2 day postpartum doula training workshop that is required for a CPD (Certified Postpartum Doula) through CAPPA. You will receive 18 hours credit for this workshop. You do not have to be affiliated or enrolled with CAPPA to attend. The workshop is offered on Feb 25-26, 2017 from 8:30AM – 6:30PM.
Costs and Fees
The cost for the postpartum doula training workshop is $425. There is a $50 late registration fee. Free doula tool kit and phone consultation if you register early.
Registration Details
To register, pay online, and read additional workshop policies, click here.
Postpartum Doula Training in Iowa City, IA
Organization Name: University of Iowa Healthcare
Email: childbirthclasses@healthcare.uiowa.edu
Phone: 319-353-7877
Course and Workshop Details and Requirements
The classes offered are Caring for the Newborn class (Two 2.5 hour classes or one 5 hour class), Breastfeeding class (3 hours), and Infant Safety and CPR class (2.5 hours). These courses are not required for a certification organization such as DONA, CAPPA, or ICEA.
Course and Workshop Topics
These classes will go over the following concepts:
- Learn how to provide basic postpartum care to a newborn such as diapering, bathing, and soothing techniques
- Understand the physical and emotional changes a family goes through after a baby is born
- Discuss the physical, mental, and social capabilities of a newborn
- Learn the essentials of breastfeeding such as positioning and milk pumping
- Discuss baby safety guidelines and how to respond to newborn emergency situations
- Learn how to give infant CPR using a doll
Costs and Fees
Caring for the Newborn class – $30
Breastfeeding class – $30
Infant Safety and CPR class – $30
Registration Details
Check available class times and register by clicking here. Payment information will be given through email.

Kyndal May is a certified doula with over 20 years of experience helping train doulas across the United States. She has received her certification from DONA (Doulas of North America) and has dedicated her career to supporting families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to every family she works with. In addition to her work as a doula, Kyndal is also a passionate advocate for women’s health and birth rights. She has spent many years educating and empowering families to make informed decisions about their birth experience. She also uses her experience to help train other doulas, passing on her knowledge and skills to the next generation of birth workers. With her dedication to her clients and her profession, Kyndal is a respected and valued member of the doula community.