Why Mentorship Is the Missing Piece After Doula Training
- Lorie Michaels, CD(DONA), LCCE, PMH-C, CLC, BRMPro
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23
You finished your doula training. You learned the physiology of birth, how to comfort a laboring parent, and the importance of advocacy. You might even have a certificate in hand. But when it comes to supporting real families with complex needs, the truth often hits: training is just the beginning.
That’s where mentorship comes in.
In this post, we’ll explore why mentorship is the bridge between “trained” and “confident,” how it helps you handle real-world challenges, and what it means for your long-term success as a doula.
The “Confidence Gap” After Training
Most trainings provide a strong foundation, but few doulas walk away feeling 100% ready for every situation. You may find yourself wondering:
How do I navigate a client with multiple risk factors?
What if a family dynamic gets tense?
How do I balance emotional support with professional boundaries?
What’s the best way to build a sustainable practice without burning out?
This uncertainty isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a natural part of growth. Mentorship is designed to close this gap by pairing knowledge with lived wisdom, coaching, and community.
Complex Client Cases Go Beyond Textbooks
Birth and postpartum rarely follow the script. A textbook might outline “stages of labor,” but it doesn’t prepare you for:
A parent who’s had a traumatic birth and needs extra sensitivity.
A family navigating systemic racism or LGBTQ+ discrimination in healthcare.
A NICU stay that changes postpartum support dramatically.
A partner who feels left out or overwhelmed.
With mentorship, you can bring these scenarios into a supportive space. Instead of facing them alone, you debrief, get feedback, and learn strategies that actually work in practice.
Community Keeps You From Burning Out
Doula work is rewarding but can also be emotionally heavy. Without a peer group, it’s easy to feel isolated—especially when you’re supporting clients in tough circumstances.
Mentorship creates a circle of peers and guides who understand what you’re experiencing. You have a place to share stories, ask questions, and receive encouragement. This kind of community doesn’t just build skills—it sustains you for the long run.
From Knowledge to Confidence
Training gives you the “what.” Mentorship gives you the “how.”
Training says: Doulas support informed decision-making.
Mentorship shows: Here’s how to phrase questions so clients feel empowered in the hospital room.
Training says: Boundaries are important.
Mentorship shows: Here’s how to set limits compassionately when a client texts you at 2 a.m.
These real-world applications are what transform knowledge into confidence.
Professional Growth and Opportunities
Mentorship isn’t just about case support. It also accelerates your professional growth:
Business skills: how to price packages, attract clients, and market ethically.
Specialty modules: grief and loss support, trauma-informed care, cultural humility.
Credibility: a mentorship badge and directory listing that showcase your commitment to ongoing learning.
This positions you not only as a doula, but as a professional doula—someone families and care providers can trust.
Why Mentorship Matters Now
The landscape of doula work is changing fast. With Medicaid reimbursement expanding in many states, and families expecting trauma-informed, culturally aware care, doulas are being asked to do more than ever.
Being mentored means you’re not just keeping up—you’re leading.
The BirthPro Mentorship Collective
At BirthPro, we believe every doula deserves support beyond initial training. That’s why we created the Mentorship Collective—a program built by doulas, for doulas, with an equity-centered approach.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
Live office hours every two weeks for case debriefs and Q&A.
On-demand specialty modules to grow your skills.
Peer community for accountability, connection, and encouragement.
Digital badge + directory listing to boost your visibility and credibility.
Flexible payment options—$599 or 6×$109.
Whether you’ve just finished training or have been in practice for years, mentorship is your path to confidence, resilience, and sustainability.
Final Thoughts
Training opens the door. Mentorship helps you walk through it with steady feet.
If you’ve ever felt unsure, isolated, or stuck in your doula practice, mentorship is not a luxury—it’s the missing piece.
👉 Ready to keep growing?
Join the Mentorship Collective today and step into your next level of doula practice.
"Lorie Michaels to know her is to love her. She’s genuine and an excellent teacher/mentor and when you don’t understand, the team and herself are there for you to encourage you to uplift you to challenge you. If you stick with it you definitely will come on top and be a great success!!" Lois West - Birth & Postpartum Doula
