What is difficult is sorting through the information and making decisions about several of the finer aspects of childbirth education. I hope to help you in your sifting process, as well as give you some resources. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. You do not need to be a nurse, a midwife, or a doula. You really need a more than basic level of knowledge of childbirth, most organizations offer the opportunity to get this education.
Some people choose to teach without a certification.
In that case, I suppose that you would acquire the knowledge that you need through self-study or apprenticeship and the find clients. If you choose a certification through a specific method, they have a series of requirements that you must meet in order to become a certified childbirth educator. Certification is not necessary anywhere, according to my knowledge. Without a certification you may have problems that a certified educator may not have. Here is a basic listing of the certifications and of the organizations philosophy.