Doula Trainings In Portland, Oregon
If you feel called to support families through the powerful journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenting, becoming a birth or postpartum doula is a beautiful way to make a difference in your community.
Become a Birth or Postpartum Doula in Portland, Oregon
If you feel called to support families through the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenting, becoming a birth doula or postpartum doula in Portland, Oregon is a powerful way to make a positive impact in your community. Oregon offers a unique pathway for doulas through the Traditional Health Worker (THW) program, a designation that increases access to equitable care and allows doulas to receive reimbursement through Medicaid and private insurance.
Traditional Health Worker (THW) Doula Certification in Oregon
To receive Medicaid or insurance reimbursement in Oregon, doulas must be registered with the state as Traditional Health Worker (THW) Doulas. This credential recognizes the vital role doulas play in improving birth outcomes, reducing disparities, and supporting families with compassionate, continuous care.
After completing an Oregon-approved doula training, you can submit your documentation to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to be officially listed as a certified THW Birth Doula in the state registry.
How to Begin Your Doula Certification in Portland
Oregon became the first state to cover birth doula services under Medicaid in 2015. A new Oregon bill passed in 2025 adds another milestone: beginning in 2026, all private insurance plans must cover birth doula care and postpartum doula services. This makes now an ideal time to pursue doula training in Portland and enter a growing, in-demand profession.
The Oregon Doula Association (ODA) has been a leading advocate for the doula workforce since 2015. Their Traditional Health Worker Doula resource page outlines:
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How to become a THW-certified doula
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How to apply as a Medicaid provider
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Links to the Oregon Health Authority and its current list of approved THW doula trainings
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Step-by-step guidance for new doulas navigating certification
Visit their THW Doula page for the most up-to-date information on the certification process.
Start Your Doula Practice and Serve Portland Families
Once you complete your Portland doula training and receive your THW certification, you’ll be ready to support families throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Becoming a THW-registered doula not only expands your professional opportunities but also strengthens Oregon’s commitment to equitable, accessible maternal and infant health.
We look forward to welcoming you into the Portland doula community!