Our History
From a WeChat group to the only Asian doula certification body in the U.S.
History of ADA
From a WeChat group to the only Asian doula certification body in the U.S.
In 2017, a handful of Asian doulas in Southern California started a group chat. They shared the same frustration: organizations like ICEA and DONA offered excellent training — but almost nothing in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. Doulas who didn't speak English were shut out of professional development entirely.
So they began translating materials, pooling knowledge, and teaching each other. Within a year, what started as peer support had become something bigger — a shared conviction that Asian families deserved doulas trained in both evidence-based care and the cultural traditions they grew up with.
“It started as a chat group. It became a mission.”
In 2022, that mission became official. ADA was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Irvine, California — the first and only U.S. organization offering culturally integrated postpartum doula certification with exams in five languages.
Scenes from ADA training workshops in Irvine, California
Milestones
From 0 to 167+ certified doulas in five years.
The Seed Is Planted
A group of experienced doulas and maternal health advocates in Southern California identify the need for culturally integrated postpartum doula certification.
The Seed Is Planted
A group of experienced doulas and maternal health advocates in Southern California identify the need for culturally integrated postpartum doula certification.
Asian Doula Alliance Founded
ADA is officially established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Irvine, California, with a mission to set standards in culturally competent postpartum care.
Asian Doula Alliance Founded
ADA is officially established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Irvine, California, with a mission to set standards in culturally competent postpartum care.
First Certification Program
The inaugural Postpartum Doula Certification program launches, combining Eastern postpartum traditions with Western evidence-based practices in a rigorous curriculum.
First Certification Program
The inaugural Postpartum Doula Certification program launches, combining Eastern postpartum traditions with Western evidence-based practices in a rigorous curriculum.
Multilingual Exams Introduced
Certification exams become available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean — ensuring language is never a barrier to professional certification.
Multilingual Exams Introduced
Certification exams become available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean — ensuring language is never a barrier to professional certification.
Insurance Partnerships Begin
ADA secures partnerships with major insurance providers including Medi-Cal and Kaiser, making certified doula services more accessible to families.
Insurance Partnerships Begin
ADA secures partnerships with major insurance providers including Medi-Cal and Kaiser, making certified doula services more accessible to families.
100+ Certified Doulas
ADA reaches a major milestone with over 100 certified postpartum doulas serving families across California and beyond.
100+ Certified Doulas
ADA reaches a major milestone with over 100 certified postpartum doulas serving families across California and beyond.
National Expansion
Certified ADA doulas now serve families in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Seattle, New York City, and Chicago. Insurance partnerships expand to include Cigna, Carrot Fertility, and Progyny.
National Expansion
Certified ADA doulas now serve families in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Seattle, New York City, and Chicago. Insurance partnerships expand to include Cigna, Carrot Fertility, and Progyny.
Continuing to Grow
With 167+ certified doulas, 6 insurance partners, and exams in 5 languages, ADA continues to set the gold standard for culturally integrated postpartum doula certification.
Continuing to Grow
With 167+ certified doulas, 6 insurance partners, and exams in 5 languages, ADA continues to set the gold standard for culturally integrated postpartum doula certification.
Become Part of Our Story
Join 167+ certified doulas making a difference in families' lives.
Start Your Certification JourneyLet's Connect and Support Families Together!
Whether you're interested in becoming a certified doula, looking for postpartum support, or want to learn more about our programs, we'd love to hear from you.