After certification, doulas can work in a variety of settings:

• Independent/private practice (most common)

• Contracting with doula agencies or healthcare organizations

• Partnering with hospitals, clinics, or community-based programs

• Working with nonprofits serving maternal health populations

• Participating in Medicaid-funded doula programs (growing rapidly in many states, including Maryland)

Doulas may choose to specialize in:

• Birth doula support (labor and delivery)

• Postpartum doula support (after baby is born)

• Full-spectrum doula care (including pregnancy loss, abortion, and fertility support)

We have consistently seen that doulas who are certified in both birth and postpartum support are more competitive and more hirable, as agencies and families often prefer doulas who can provide continuity of care across the entire perinatal period.