Hot take in the birth world…Not all doula training is evidence-based.

Hot take in the birth world…

Not all doula training is evidence-based.

And not all “empowerment” is unbiased.

There. I said it.

I train doulas differently.

See my doula training courses & CPD days here

Because being a doula is not about:

• Telling clients what you would do

• Sharing your own birth story as guidance

• Subtly steering someone away from their care provider

• Positioning yourself as the expert in the room

It’s about something much more powerful.

It’s about evidence.

It’s about neutrality.

It’s about emotional maturity.

It’s about doing your own healing work first.

In my trainings, doulas learn to:

✨ Use reputable sources like the World Health Organization, Health Service Executive and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

✨ Understand what evidence-based care actually means (research + clinical expertise + client values)

✨ Support informed decision-making without inserting personal opinion

✨ Replace “I would…” with “Some parents find…”

✨ Debrief their own birth experiences and trauma so it doesn’t walk into the room with them

Because here’s the truth:

If a doula hasn’t processed her own story,

she will unconsciously practice from it.

And that’s not support.

That’s projection.

Evidence-based care doesn’t mean cold or clinical.

It means:

• Warm but not biased

• Supportive but not directive

• Empowering without agenda

• Professional without ego

Our job is not to provide answers.

Our job is to help parents find their answers.

If a client is unsure about something medical?

• We don’t override their HCP.

• We help them prepare questions.

• We help them think critically.

• We help them feel grounded.

That’s the work.

Birth work needs more regulation.

• More reflection.

• More personal responsibility.

• Less hero complex.

And yes — that can be uncomfortable to hear.

But the families we serve deserve doulas who are steady, informed and self-aware.

If you’re a doula (or training to be one), I’d love to know:

Do you believe doulas should share their personal opinions with clients?

Or should we remain neutral and evidence-led?

Let’s have the conversation - my emails and DMs on social media are always open

See my doula training courses & CPD days here