Massage Doula Support

Labor Massage Doula CE Course

Enroll in this course if you want to earn 21 CEUs in Labor Massage doula training but do not wish to pursue the optional Massage Doula Specialist title. If you are interested in earning the specialist title, please see our Massage Doula Specialist Certificate Program listing instead.  This version will allow you to achieve an advanced specialist certificate.

A massage doula is a licensed massage therapist who combines the nurturing support of a traditional doula with advanced massage therapy techniques addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of labor and delivery. This dual approach makes you an invaluable presence in the birthing room and a uniquely qualified support person for expectant families.

Continuing Education Details

Course Overview

This course does not teach massage techniques those are covered in the prerequisite prenatal series. Instead, it builds on your existing prenatal massage training to teach the specific clinical knowledge, labor physiology, and hands-on support strategies that define skilled doula practice. You will study the stages of labor in depth, common interventions and complications, positioning strategies, and the full arc of what a massage doula does before, during, and between contractions.

To earn your 21 CEUs: study the course materials and complete the online exam. Your certificate is available immediately upon passing. No internship, homework submission, or processing fee is required to receive your CE certificate.

If you later choose to pursue the optional Massage Doula Specialist title, you will need to enroll in the Specialist Certificate course, complete three documented internship births, and submit the required materials with a $35 processing fee. That pathway is described in full on the Massage Doula Specialist Certificate page.

What You Will Learn

• How to provide physical comfort, information, and emotional support during childbirth
• The medically proven benefits of continuous labor support (doula services) and the evidence behind them
• The physical processes of the three stages of labor what is happening in the body and what your role is at each stage
• Common labor interventions and possible complications what they are and how to support your client through them
• Labor positioning a range of positions that reduce discomfort, address back labor, and promote effective pushing
• Comfort measures during and between contractions, including massage application specific to the labor setting
• Partner and support person involvement how to coach the birth partner effectively
• Marketing your doula services and building your practice

Course Outline

1. Labor Support Providers Terminology and Roles
2. Benefits of Labor Support
3. Long-Term Perceptions of Childbirth
4. Comparison of Partner to Professional Support Provider
5. Stimulating Labor Naturally
6. Breech Presentation
7. Special Needs in Labor
8. VBAC Information
9. Stages of Labor
10. Terminology Used During Labor
11. At the Hospital
12. Common Interventions in Labor
13. Possible Complications in Labor
14. Birth Stories
15. Back Labor
16. Stage Two Pushing
17. Equipment List
18. Pricing Your Services
19. Miscellaneous Recommendations
20. Recommended Reading
21. Sample Forms

Pre-Requisite

Completion of the IST Prenatal Massage series is required before earning the Massage Doula Specialist title through the Institute of Somatic Therapy. This three-part series covers Pregnancy Massage Myths, Prenatal Massage Fundamentals, and Prenatal Massage Techniques.

You may enroll in this CE course without the prenatal prerequisite and still earn your 21 CEUs. However, you will not be eligible to earn the IST Massage Doula Specialist title without completing the prenatal series through us. Please see the FAQ section below for a full explanation of this policy.

About the Instructor

Dr. Deanine Picciano, AP, LMT is the Director of Education at the Institute of Somatic Therapy, bringing over 30 years of experience in integrative and holistic healthcare. Her extensive background spans acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, classical homeopathy, herbal medicine, yoga, functional medicine, and integrative women's health. Dr. Picciano maintains a private practice in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in women's and children's health, and has been teaching and mentoring practitioners for over two decades. Her continuing education courses have reached massage therapists, acupuncturists, midwives, and physical therapists nationally and internationally.

What Students Are Saying

"I took the complete DONA workshop given by a former president of the organization 15 years ago. It was very good. I enjoyed it, but I found your information and breakdown of the birthing process, videos, medical terms, and personal testimonies very helpful. It reached my understanding more deeply and gave me greater clarity. I chose your course because it embodies exactly what I envisioned as a skill set. I'm very grateful I found this opportunity."
- Joyful Felts, Georgia

"Thank you so much. I did not expect to enjoy these courses as much as I have. I just purchased the doula class and I'm sure I'll be taking the infant massage course as well. Thank you for helping me grow my business and become more passionate about my craft."
- Whitney Brown, Bremen, Kentucky

"I've taken a few other prenatal massage courses and found yours the most comprehensive. Thanks again."
- Patti Nebel, Wenonah, NJ

"This course was very easy to follow, the information was very thorough, and it was a convenient and more affordable alternative to other prenatal courses. This course gave me everything I need to confidently incorporate prenatal massage into my practice. I ordered this course along with the doula course and am really looking forward to completing it."
- K. Jackson, Las Vegas, NV

"My massage office is located within a birth center and I have been giving prenatal and postnatal massage for six years. I have read several books and watched a few DVDs on the subject, and the information in your workbook and DVD is by far the best. I have learned so much and am so excited to share this with my clients."
- Heather Barber, LMT, Palmer, Alaska

"I love the courses you offer not only because there is so much to choose from but also because all of it is actually applicable. Your courses are of high quality and they are relevant that's the most important aspect for me."
- Gabriela Eikeland, Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada

Course & Certification Details

Earning Your CEUs: Study the course materials and complete the online exam. Upon passing, your certificate of completion is available immediately for printing or download. No internship, additional homework, or processing fee is required to earn your CE certificate.

Optional Specialist Title: If you later wish to earn the Massage Doula Specialist title, enroll in our Massage Doula Specialist Certificate Program. That course requires completing three documented internship births and a $35 processing fee. Neither the NCBTMB nor any state massage therapy board makes a determination on the awarding of this specialty title it is awarded solely by the Institute of Somatic Therapy.

Required Reading for Specialist Track Only: The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin (student-supplied new, used, or borrowed; required only if pursuing the specialist title).

CE Broker Reporting: Institute of Somatic Therapy automatically reports completions to CE Broker in applicable states under the "General" category, provided your license number is on file in your account. To verify or add your license number, log in to your account and select "Edit" if your license is not shown.

Provider Approvals: Institute of Somatic Therapy is an NCBTMB Approved Provider (#280672-00), approved by Florida (#MCE-326) and New York (#0019). Courses are also accepted by AMTA, ABMP, and most individual states. Some states limit the number of online or home-study hours permitted per renewal cycle. Please review our State Guidelines section for requirements specific to your state.

Note: CE regulations change. Your state licensing board holds you responsible for knowing the requirements that apply to your license.

Related courses: Massage Doula Specialist Certificate, Prenatal Massage Fundamentals, Prenatal Massage Techniques, Pregnancy Massage Myths, Certified Infant Massage Instructor, Fertility Massage Specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "doula" mean, and what does a doula actually do?
"Doula" comes from the Greek word for "handmaiden." A doula remains with a birthing person through active labor until after the baby is born, the placenta is delivered, and the mother is resting comfortably. A doula provides three types of support: emotional encouragement for the birthing person and their partner; physical comfort through massage, positioning, and counterpressure; and information to help the client understand the stages of childbirth and what to expect if complications or interventions arise.

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support she does not perform clinical examinations or deliver the baby. A midwife performs all clinical functions and delivers the baby, essentially taking the role of an obstetrician. A midwife is focused on the medical care of both mother and baby; a doula is focused entirely on the comfort and experience of the birthing person.

What is the difference between this course and the Massage Doula Specialist Certificate course?
This course awards 21 CEUs upon passing the online exam no additional homework, internship, or fees required. The Massage Doula Specialist Certificate course is for therapists who also want to earn the optional specialist title, which requires completing three documented internship births and a $35 processing fee. If you are unsure which is right for you, you can complete this CE course now and pursue the specialist title later by enrolling in the separate certificate course.

Why must I complete the IST prenatal series to earn the Massage Doula Specialist title, even if I trained elsewhere?
This program was originally designed as one integrated course. The prenatal series is the clinical foundation upon which the doula training builds covering the physiological changes of pregnancy, their impact on every body system, and a thorough study of prenatal contraindications. We cannot be confident that prenatal training completed elsewhere provides the same depth of foundation. For this reason, we offer the doula course as a standalone for CEUs, but will not award our specialist title without confirming full training to our standards. We do not make exceptions to this policy.

Is a massage doula a "true doula"?
In our view, a Massage Doula Specialist is a stronger credential than a standard doula title because a massage doula is a licensed massage therapist who is also trained in prenatal massage, postpartum massage, and doula labor support. A client can be supported by you throughout pregnancy, in labor as both therapist and doula, and postpartum and you can also teach them to massage their infant. A standard doula provides labor support alone. A massage doula brings far more to the table.

Will this training be recognized by DONA or other doula certifying agencies?
No. We are not affiliated with DONA, ICEA, CAPPA, ALACE, or other doula certifying agencies. Those organizations are not designed specifically for massage therapists and do not award massage therapy continuing education credits. Our program trains you in prenatal massage, doula labor support, and postpartum massage a scope that exceeds what any general doula certification provides.

I have already attended several births. Can those count toward the internship?
No. The internship births must occur after completing the course, since their purpose is specifically to practice the techniques taught in this program. Prior birth experience, however valuable, cannot be substituted.

Do I need a separate license to work as a doula?
We are not currently aware of any states that require a separate doula license or that exempt labor support from the massage therapy scope of practice. Your massage license should be sufficient in most jurisdictions. However, state laws change, and your state board holds you responsible for knowing what applies to you.

Can massage therapy students enroll before becoming licensed?
Yes. Many students begin continuing education coursework near the end of their training. You may enroll and complete the course at any time, but may not practice professionally until you hold the required license in your jurisdiction.

Do I have to be a licensed massage therapist to enroll?
Our courses are designed for licensed massage therapists. Non-licensed individuals may enroll for personal enrichment but may not practice professionally without the required license. Doulas and prenatal health providers may apply techniques within their own scope of practice and licensing authority, but may not represent themselves as massage therapists or massage doulas without a massage therapy license.

How long do I have to complete the course?
You have one year from enrollment. If you need more time, you may reinstate the course for an additional year for a $35 reinstatement fee.