You can make a positive impact on the birthing experience of local mothers.
Evidence suggests that the presence of doulas in a traditional healthcare setting allows them to serve as advocates for women of color. A recent study found that doulas have the potential to provide a “buffer” against racism in health care for pregnant women of color by providing advocacy, patient-centered, tailored, and culturally appropriate care (National Health Law Program, May 2020).
Stronger Together Doula Support is designed to improve maternal health in Palm Beach County through a focused project dedicated to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality by providing certification to a cohort of aspiring doulas. Once certified, these women are matched with pregnant clients of HMHB with a priority on cultural similarities.
Doulas assist with birth planning, provide support during labor and delivery, and remain engaged with their clients for three months postpartum. Cohort members connect with other doulas as part of the training to become educated about hospital practices and common labor and delivery procedures to allow for even stronger advocacy for mom-to-be.
Doulas who are selected for a cohort will receive all training and materials at no cost.
Additionally, each doula will be paid a stipend for two births during their training period.
Stronger Together Doula Support
Doula Certification for Black American and Haitian Women
Birth doula training - provided by HMHB certified Doulio trainers
Postpartum doula training - provided by HMHB certified Doulio trainers
Maternal Mental Health (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders)
Childbirth and Breastfeeding
The Fourth Trimester: Providing Support and Services to New Mothers
Child Abuse and Neglect
Trauma Informed Care
Breaking Through Implicit Bias in Maternal Health Care
Business and Marketing
Healthy Beginnings System Overview
And more!
Training and Certification
Doulas selected for the cohort must meet the following requirements:
Be a resident of Palm Beach County
Identify as Black/Black American or Haitian
Commit to an intensive 15-18 month training program and complete all training requirements for birthing and postpartum certification
Complete all required application documentation and pass a Level II background screening
Complete required reading from the Stronger Together required reading List
Be mentored by a practicing doula, midwife, nurse practitioner or obstetrics provider through phone, email or video throughout the training program
Observe/participate in a minimum of two sponsored births
Be available to attend 2-3 prenatal appointments with your client
Be available to remain partners with your client for three months postpartum
Complete an Independent Contractor agreement
Program Requirements
Interested in becoming a doula?
The application process is easy!
Complete our online application of interest. Submit along with a copy of your resume OR a 3-5 minute video about why you want to become a doula.
Application window for the next cohort closes May 22, 2026.
Stronger Together Doula Support is made possible with support from:
Community Care Plan, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida Blue Foundation, Quantum Foundation, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, and The Fledgling Fund