The Madriella Mission Statement
We believe that birth is a sacred event, and that motherhood is an anointed institution. 

We believe that all women need and deserve the support of other women during pregnancy and birth. 

We believe that the knowledge of labor support is the heritage of all women and should be shared.

We believe that financial blessings are a result of the sharing of knowledge and that our members deserve to benefit from it.

The History of Madriella
The Madriella program began in 2006 as a continuing education class for massage therapists at Golden State Massage School (GSMS) in Turlock, California.

In 2008 GSMS was absorbed by the Somatic Arts and Sciences Institute, the nations largest provider of continuing education for massage therapists online.  Madriella is now owned by the Somatic Arts and Sciences Institute.

Madriella is an entirely online program.

The Online Doula Certification Course
You may be wondering how we teach women to be birth assistants with an online course? 

The "hands on" part of being a doula is actually very simple.  It involves safe massage procedures and coaching in positioning. 

Our program shows you how to do all of those things, and they are tried and true methods that are safe for the mother.

Nothing we teach you will ever endanger a mother or her baby, it is all very natural and easy to do. You will learn these simple hands on techniques by watching short video clips of them being practiced.

The majority of the program deals with information-birth physiology, how to write a birth plan, how to present options, provide emotional support, plan for the birthing event and how to provide post partum care. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the name Madriella come from?
The name Madriella is Latin, it means "Beautiful Mother". 

How long has Madriella been Certifying Doulas?
The program began in 2006 as a Doula Certification Continuing Education Class that was offered at Golden State Massage School, a school of Massage Therapy in Turlock, California. 

It is now offered for free with the purchase of the continuing education course Massage for the Laboring Woman, offered by the Somatic Arts and Sciences Institute, which owns this program. 

Is Madriella a Vocational School or Job training program?
No, Madriella is a free avocational course and is offered as a complimentary course for students of the Somatic Arts and Sciences Institute. 

How much does it cost to take this course?
The Madriella Doula  Program is FREE, but we do charge $50 for the Massage Therapy continuing education course that it comes with.

Why do I have to take the $50 course? Can't I just do the doula program without it?
Unfortunately the Massage for the Laboring Woman course is an important part of the program so it is required.  Since it is offered by the Somatic Arts and Sciences Institute, an NCBTMB approved provider we have to maintain records and print transcripts and that costs money. 

What if I am not a massage therapist? Can I still take the continuing education course?
The course was designed for massage therapists, but we have had Chiropractors and Nurses take the course as well.  We cannot guarantee that their licensing agencies will award them continuing education credit however. 

The NCBTMB recognizes the Massage for the Laboring Woman course as a 6-hour continuing education course for massage therapists.

Is my Certification good everywhere?
Yes, the Madriella Certification is good in all fifty states.  Remember that Douglas are not medical professionals, they are non-medical in nature and therefore are not regulated by any licensing boards.  ANY WOMAN can be a doula. 

How long does it take to get my Certification?
This is a difficult question to answer, since much of the program is self paced. 

All eleven of the courses must be completed before the certification can be awarded.   At the end of each module is an online test.  

We have had students finish the entire program in two weeks, others take months.  There is no time limit, once you are enrolled you can take as long as you want to finish the program. 

Does my Certification expire?
No, your Certification does not expire.

Once you know how to support a woman during birth you know it forever, there is no recertification process. We do encourage our Doulas to stay current on birth procedures so they can share the information, but there is no recertification.

How much can do Doulas earn?
That is a tough question, many do not charge at all for the service. The Doulas that do charge for their services charge on average about $300-$400 per birth.  As most of the Doulas we certify are Massage Therapists many of them just charge their regular rates.

How do Doulas get paid?
Most Doulas are self employed and are paid by the mother, or the mothers family. 

Some are employed by Hospitals and Birthing Centers, and they are paid as any other employee would be. 

Do I have to have given birth myself to be a Doula?
No.  The Somatic Arts and Sciences Institute does no discriminate against women that have not or cannot have children.  In fact we do not discriminate against men either, but none has ever wanted to take the course.

Madriella does not require all applicants to be mothers themselves, but traditionally Doulas that have given birth themselves carry more credibility and are able to better encourage women that are going through birth.  But if you have never given birth and you desire to be a part of this magical experience there is no reason why you can not.

Where can I get a job as a Doula?
Honestly professional Doulas are rare, the vast majority of Doulas are employed as massage therapists, nurses, midwives or other professionals and they perform the doula services on the side.  There are some self-employed doulas that have made it a business and there are a few progressive hospitals and birthing centers around the country employ Doulas in their labor and delivery rooms, but these are still rare.  That is why this is an avocational course.

Many Alternative Medicine Clinics are offering Doula services now, as well as Massage Clinics and Wellness Centers. 

What happens when I order the Course?
When you purchase the Massage for the Laboring Woman continuing education course we receive your order and begin setting up your account with the Somatic Arts and Sciences Institute.  Within 24 hours you will receive a confirmation email containing a student ID number and link to the download page.  

What if I fail a test?
If you fail a test you will receive a failure notice, and you may take that test again.  You are allowed to retake a test up to three times.