Training offered

At Birth & Baby University, we believe exceptional doulas deserve exceptional education. Our comprehensive online Birth and Postpartum Doula Certification Trainings are designed to equip aspiring and experienced doulas with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to provide compassionate, evidence-based support to growing families. Our online Birth Doula Certification Training prepares students to confidently support families throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. Topics include childbirth education, stages of labor, comfort measures, labor positioning, medical interventions, cesarean births, informed decision-making, advocacy, and professional doula practices. Students gain the tools to provide personalized, nonjudgmental care across a variety of birth experiences. Our Postpartum Doula Certification Training prepares students to support families during the critical transition into parenthood. Topics include newborn care, feeding support, postpartum recovery, maternal mental health, infant sleep, family adjustment, household support, and professional boundaries. Students learn how to provide knowledgeable, nurturing care that helps families feel supported and confident. Already certified as a doula? Our online Cross-Certification Trainings provide an opportunity to expand your credentials, strengthen your expertise, and broaden the services you offer. Designed for doulas with existing training, these programs build upon foundational knowledge while introducing Birth & Baby University's comprehensive, evidence-based approach to professional doula care. All trainings are offered online and self-paced, allowing students to learn on their own schedules. Whether you're beginning your doula career, expanding your services, or investing in continued professional development, Birth & Baby University is committed to helping you grow with confidence.

Summary of qualifications

Anna Rodney is a nationally recognized doula educator, entrepreneur, and maternal health advocate dedicated to elevating birth and postpartum care. With a Master's degree in Education, multiple degrees in Special Education, and over two decades of teaching experience, Anna brings exceptional educational expertise, practical knowledge, and business leadership to doula training. As founder and CEO of Chicago Family Doulas, Anna has built one of the nation's leading doula agencies, growing her team to over 500 doulas and supporting more than 25,000 families. Since 2014, she has mentored doulas, established professional standards, and developed systems that promote exceptional, compassionate care. Anna's professional background includes experience as a Birth and Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, Lactation Educator, Lamaze Instructor, and childbirth educator. Her experience as a trainer, mentor, and agency leader gives her a unique understanding of what doulas need to thrive professionally. Anna founded Birth & Baby University to make high-quality, evidence-based doula education accessible, practical, and empowering. She believes exceptional training extends beyond textbooks, preparing doulas to confidently navigate real-life situations while providing individualized support. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes compassionate, nonjudgmental care, informed decision-making, cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for every family's unique needs. She encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning. What distinguishes Anna is her ability to combine educational expertise with firsthand experience building a thriving doula organization. She prepares students not simply to earn certification, but to become exceptional doulas, build sustainable careers, and positively impact the families they serve.

Style of teaching

Anna Rodney's teaching style is engaging, approachable, empowering, and deeply rooted in real-world experience. With a Master's degree in Education, extensive experience in Special Education, and more than a decade as an educator, Anna understands that every student learns differently. She believes exceptional education should be accessible, inclusive, practical, and designed to build both knowledge and confidence. Anna combines evidence-based education with real-life examples, practical strategies, and the invaluable lessons she has learned from mentoring hundreds of doulas and leading Chicago Family Doulas, an agency with more than 500 doulas. Her approach is warm, conversational, and encouraging, making even complex topics easy to understand and apply. She focuses on teaching students not just what to do, but why it matters, how to navigate challenging situations, and how to adapt their skills to meet the unique needs of every family. At the heart of Anna's philosophy is the belief that there is no single right way to give birth, parent, or support a family. She emphasizes compassionate, nonjudgmental care, informed decision-making, cultural awareness, and respect for individual preferences. She encourages doulas to approach every family with curiosity, empathy, professionalism, and an open mind. Anna also believes that certification is only the beginning. Her goal is to develop thoughtful, confident professionals who can think critically, communicate effectively, establish healthy boundaries, and build meaningful, sustainable careers. Above all, Anna teaches with authenticity, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to her students' success. She wants every doula to leave her trainings feeling knowledgeable, prepared, inspired, and confident in their ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families.

Years offering training

13

Profile last updated: 11/2/2026 4:25:21 AM