Is a Doula-In-Training Right for You?
Not everyone enters the birth space with years of experience—but every birth worker begins with deep intention, care, and a calling. I’m a student doula in training through Birthing from Within, and I’m offering my services at a reduced rate while I complete my certification.
If you’re wondering whether working with a student doula is right for you, this guide will help you feel into that decision with clarity and confidence.
Who I Am, and Why I’m Here
My name is Mia Lewis. I’m a mother, a project manager, and a birth worker with a sacred call to serve. I’m a student doula, currently completing my certification through Birthing from Within, a holistic and trauma-informed approach to childbirth and parenting support.
I come to this work through lived experience: the advocacy I had to embody as a mother to my neurodivergent son, Mason, and the deep wound of being dismissed and unsupported when I birthed my daughter, Emma. These moments made me who I am—a woman committed to changing the story for others.
As a Virgo Sun, Leo Rising, and Aries Moon, I’m grounded, warm, and fiercely protective. My CliftonStrengths say the same:
Relator means I connect deeply and honestly.
Developer and Restorative mean I’m here to support growth, especially in moments of challenge.
Ideation gives me creativity in solving problems.
Belief roots me in values, purpose, and legacy.
I’m not just a doula in training—I’m a mother, a witness, a systems navigator, and a sacred space-holder.
Why Choose a Student Doula?
Working with a student doula can be a beautiful experience—and like all things sacred, it’s a relationship built on trust, alignment, and clear communication.
Here are some reasons families say “yes” to student doulas, and a few things to consider as you make your decision:
Benefits of Working With a Student Doula
Affordability with Integrity:
I offer reduced pricing while I gain experience, making quality doula care more accessible to families who may not otherwise be able to afford it.Fresh Knowledge + Deep Study:
I’m actively engaged in my training, which means I’m immersed in current research, holistic frameworks, and hands-on practice.Personalized Support:
I take on fewer clients, which allows me to be fully present, communicative, and attentive to your unique needs.Lived Experience + Systems Wisdom:
As a Black mother and seasoned project manager, I bring both emotional intelligence and logistical clarity into your care.Reciprocity and Relationship:
I honor your journey as part of my growth. I don’t treat your birth like a class assignment—I treat it as a calling.
Things to Consider
I’m Still Learning:
While I offer intentional and informed care, I may not have seen every scenario firsthand. I may consult with mentors for guidance and reflect more deeply on each experience.Limited Backup Support (at times):
I’m building my network, so I may have fewer backup doula relationships than someone more established. I’ll always be transparent about my availability and options.Certification Requirements:
I may ask you to complete a short evaluation form or consent to a written birth summary. These are optional and always treated with care and confidentiality.
Built on Trust, Not Transaction
This isn’t just about affordable support. It’s about a relationship.
Working with a student doula means entering into a shared space of growth—with honesty, humility, and honor.
I’ll be honest about what I know and what I’m still learning. And I’ll invite you to be honest about your hopes, your concerns, and your needs. That’s how we build trust and create a space that truly serves you.
In Closing
If you want care that’s intentional, soul-rooted, and shaped by both lived wisdom and active learning—I would be honored to walk beside you.
Choosing a student doula is an act of mutual courage. You’re saying yes to care that is fresh, focused, and full of heart. And you’re helping shape the future of Black birthwork by doing so.
This work is sacred. And I do it with reverence.
Let’s grow together.
Let’s birth in power.
