If you feel called to support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum healing, becoming a doula in Illinois is a meaningful and rewarding career path. But unlike many states, Illinois has a formal process for doulas who want to work with Medicaid-covered families. To be fully recognized as a professional doula across the state, you must complete a state-approved doula training program and become an Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula through the SIU School of MedicineSIU School of Medicine.
The good news? The process is clear, accessible, and designed to ensure doulas are well-prepared to support families. And if you’re training through DNT Network, your certification program is already approved for Illinois Medicaid requirements.
Here’s a detailed look at exactly how to become a doula in Illinois.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Doula Training Program
Illinois Medicaid only accepts doulas who complete a training program approved by the SIU School of Medicine (SIU SOM). The training must meet specific educational and competency standards, including labor support skills, postpartum care, professional ethics, trauma-informed care, cultural humility, newborn care, and perinatal mental health.
DNT Network’s Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula Certification programs are officially approved and meet all requirements for Illinois Medicaid enrollment.
What you’ll typically learn in an approved training program:
- Anatomy and stages of labor
- Comfort measures, coping techniques, and emotional support
- Informed consent and client advocacy
- Postpartum recovery and newborn care
- Supporting lactation and feeding plans
- Professional standards, boundaries, and documentation
- Working with diverse families and addressing health disparities
Most students finish the online coursework in 4–10 weeks, depending on their schedule and pace.
Step 2: Apply to Become an Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula
After completing your doula training, your next step is applying through the SIU School of Medicine to be recognized as a Medicaid-Certified Doula. This certification allows you to serve Medicaid recipients and be reimbursed for doula services.
The SIU application verifies your:
- Approved doula training completion
- Competency in required skills
- Contact information and credentials
- Ability to meet Medicaid provider standards
Once approved, SIU adds you to the state’s roster of eligible doulas and issues documentation confirming your Medicaid-certified status.
Step 3: Enroll as a Medicaid Provider in Illinois
After SIU approves your doula training and certifies you, you must complete the Medicaid enrollment process to become an active billing provider.
Medicaid enrollment allows you to:
- Accept Medicaid clients
- Submit claims for doula services
- Receive reimbursement for prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum care
This step typically involves submitting:
- Your Medicaid-certified doula documentation
- Provider application
- Tax/identity verification information
Many doulas complete Medicaid enrollment within 2–4 weeks, depending on processing times.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Doula in Illinois?
Most doulas complete the process within 6–12 weeks, depending on their training pace and how quickly they submit the SIU and Medicaid applications.
A general timeline looks like this:
- 4–10 weeks: Finish doula training through an approved program (like DNT Network).
- 1–2 weeks: Apply to SIU School of Medicine for Medicaid Doula Certification.
- 2–4 weeks: Complete Medicaid provider enrollment.
Once you complete these steps, you are fully recognized as an Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula and can legally provide and bill for doula services statewide.
Why Choose DNT Network for Illinois Doula Certification?
DNT Network is one of the programs approved by SIU for Illinois Medicaid certification. Students choose DNT Network because it is:
✓ 100% online and self-paced
Perfect for working adults and caregivers balancing family responsibilities.
✓ Affordable with no renewal fees
One-time tuition, lifetime access, and no hidden costs.
✓ Built for real-world doula practice
Training includes practical scenarios, interviews, and skill-based assessments that prepare you for both birth and postpartum work.
✓ Aligned with Illinois Medicaid standards
Your certification is recognized by SIU and accepted for Medicaid enrollment.
Many Illinois students complete their training in under two months and begin supporting families right away.
What Happens After You’re Certified?
Once you become a Medicaid-Certified Doula in Illinois, you can begin taking clients immediately. Doulas in the state are reimbursed for:
- Prenatal visits
- Continuous labor support
- Postpartum visits
- Travel time (in some cases)
You can work independently, join a doula agency, or partner with clinics and hospitals.
Illinois is one of the leading states investing in Medicaid-covered doula care, so job opportunities continue to grow.
Ready to Start Your Doula Journey in Illinois?
If you’re ready to begin this meaningful work, the first step is choosing a training program approved for Illinois Medicaid.
You can explore DNT Network’s Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula Certification programs here: https://www.dntnetwork.com/pricing