Begin Your Journey as a Birth & Postpartum Doula

Written By Jennifer Crawford

I attended my very first doula training and birth in 2001. At the time, I had no idea that the instructor teaching that workshop would later become one of my midwives. But that’s the beautiful thing about the birth world, so many of us start as doulas and find our way deeper into birth work, one experience at a time.

After having two hospital births of my own, it was that doula training and attending out of hospital births that gave me the confidence to plan my own homebirth. It changed the way I saw birth, the support families need, and the power we carry as women.

Over the years, I’ve been asked by so many past clients, “How can I get into birth work?” My answer is almost always the same: Start with doula training.

Not only do you learn how to support all types of births and families, but you also begin to understand what it’s like to live an on call life (its not for the weak!), to navigate intensity with calm, and to offer unwavering presence when it matters most. My years as a doula shaped me into the midwife I am today, and they remain some of my favorite memories. One of my first “doula babies” is now a father.

Why This Training, and Why Caty

When I moved to Dallas six years ago, I met Caty Bilton of DFW Births at a birth. She reminded me so much of myself as doula. She’s extremely passionate about this work, she loves learning and she’s one of the best doulas not only to work with but for clients. I had taught doula trainings in California for years, but as my focus shifted more fully to midwifery, I knew I wanted to step back and pour into that work. Still, I wanted to see doula training carried on with the same heart and integrity I value. I saw that in Caty immediately.

Caty has supported so many families in the Dallas Fort Worth area with care, preparation, and grounded presence. Her clients walk away not only supported physically, but emotionally encouraged and empowered. I love working alongside her, and I’ve recommended her to both midwifery clients and incoming students for years.

Now, as she begins her own midwifery journey and limits the number of doula clients, she’s passing down her wisdom. This three day workshop is training the next generation of birth workers with heart, wisdom and experience.

About the Workshop

This training is an immersive, in person experience that prepares you to begin your career as a Birth and Postpartum Doula. You'll gain practical tools and foundational knowledge to walk confidently in your new career as a doula.

Birth Doula Topics Include:

  • Supporting families during pregnancy, labor, and early postpartum

  • Physical comfort and coping techniques

  • Pain relief options and the stages of labor

  • Supporting VBAC and all birth settings

  • Creating birth plans and navigating informed choice

  • Holding space when things don’t go as planned

  • Understanding trauma, loss, and the emotional layers of birth

  • Immediate postpartum care and breastfeeding support

Postpartum Doula Topics Include:

  • The Fourth Trimester

  • Feeding and newborn care

  • Overnight support

  • Family adjustment, including siblings and partners

  • Nutrition and gentle household support

You’ll also dive into:

  • Building your business and finding your first clients

  • Establishing professional boundaries

  • Navigating interviews and red flags

  • Creating trust and community connections

Workshop Details

If you've felt the pull to birth work… or just want to explore what it means to support others through one of the most powerful transitions in life, this is the place to begin. Doula work is meaningful, challenging, and rewarding.

Come learn from someone who’s walked the path, and begin carving your own.
We hope to see you there.

Register Here

Jennifer Crawford
Next

What Does a Birth Doula Do? Understanding Their Role in Your Birth Space