Apply for Doula Care HERE!

Mary's Hands Network
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Orders
  • My Account

  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com

  • Orders
  • My Account

  • Sign out

  • Home
  • About Us
  • For Mom
  • Training
  • Doula Portal
  • DONATE
  • More
    • Home
    • About Us
    • For Mom
    • Training
    • Doula Portal
    • DONATE
Mary's Hands Network

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • About Us
  • For Mom
  • Training
  • Doula Portal
  • DONATE

Account

  • Orders
  • My Account

  • Sign out

  • Sign In
  • Orders
  • My Account

225.424.7532

Mary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and Training

Mary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and TrainingMary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and TrainingMary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and Training

We train community doulas who volunteer locally, ensuring equitable, high-quality care through mentorship and best practices.

Apply for Doula Support
Learn More about doula training

225.424.7532

Mary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and Training

Mary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and TrainingMary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and TrainingMary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Services and Training

We train community doulas who volunteer locally, ensuring equitable, high-quality care through mentorship and best practices.

Apply for Doula Support
Learn More about doula training

¿Está interesada en los servicios de doula?

Mary's Hands Network se enorgullece en servir a las mamás de habla hispana e inglesa. Complete el formulario de interés para comenzar su solicitud de servicios de doula.

Aplicar aquí

Empowering Women Through Birth Support

Together we can be the change, one mom and one birth at a time.

Who We Are

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

Mary's Hands Network is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization dedicated to the radical improvement of maternal and newborn health outcomes. 


America's statistics around maternal and infant morbidity and mortality are absolutely terrifying. This is especially so in the south where low-income and women of color are 3-4x more likely to face challenges during pregnancy and childbirth. Doula support is an evidence-based source of hope and a catalyst for change! Research shows that doula support not only improves birth outcomes, it also increases breastfeeding rates, decreases cesarean sections, and increases satisfaction with birth.

Doulas offer culturally competent physical and emotional support, share important information, and advocate for a mother's wishes. They also provide prenatal and postpartum assistance, including childbirth education, anticipatory guidance, breastfeeding support, and much more. 

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

Our organization has taken numerous unique steps to combat the growing disparities within the birth community. 

  • We provide clients with a team of 2-3 doula volunteers to serve them during this special time. Doula services are always FREE no matter the client's socioeconomic status.
  • Our birth doula training is offered FREE* to those who join the volunteer network information.
  • Our birth doula course meets the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) training requirement for certification.
  • Training materials, course supplies, and lunch are provided for FREE* to all trainees during the course of the program. We want to remove any barriers potential volunteers may face in receiving training and becoming doulas.


*See the "About Doula Training" for more information on receiving free doula training.

"A doula is a warm body in the room who cares and that makes all the difference in the world."

About Doula Care

Please reach us at hello@maryshandsnetwork.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Mary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Program is a community-based initiative that connects trained doulas with expectant mothers who may benefit from additional support during their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey.

  • A doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doulas offer non-medical support and work alongside healthcare providers to provide compassionate care.
  • Volunteer doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and families. This may include offering comfort measures during labor, providing emotional support, assisting with breastfeeding, and helping with postpartum recovery and newborn care.

  • Doulas can provide emotional and practical support to women in crisis pregnancy, helping them navigate the challenges and uncertainties they may face.
  • Doulas have the opportunity to assess a mom's individual needs and help her find the right support to bridge any gaps and improve her overall experience.
  • Doulas don't just provide support during birth, but also help moms prepare for pregnancy, birth, and the continued growth of their family.

Anyone who has completed our doula training program and is passionate about supporting expectant mothers and families can apply to become a volunteer doula with Mary's Hands Network.

While previous experience as a doula is beneficial, it is not necessarily required. Mary's Hands Network provides the opportunity training and ongoing support for volunteers to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective support to expectant mothers and families.

Volunteer doulas are matched with expectant mothers based on factors such as availability, location, and specific needs of the mother. Mary's Hands Network carefully considers these factors to ensure the best possible match for each mother.

  • ICEA doula training provides a comprehensive understanding of the birth process and the various options available to women during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
  • Certification through ICEA ensures that the doula has met a high standard of training and professionalism, giving women and families greater confidence in their abilities.
  • ICEA doula training also includes education on cultural competency, enabling doulas to serve women from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and respect.
  • Being an ICEA-certified doula allows for continued education and networking opportunities with other birth professionals, keeping doulas up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field.
  • Many hospitals and birthing centers require doulas to be certified in order to practice, making ICEA certification a valuable asset for those seeking to serve a wider range of clients.

If you are an expectant mother seeking support, you can connect with Mary's Hands Network by contacting us via email at hello@maryshandsnetwork.org. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to empower you on your motherhood journey.

Birth Doula Training

What's covered in class?

Mary's Hands Network volunteer doula training covers a wide range of topics to prepare you for supporting mothers and families. These topics include:


- The role and responsibilities of a doula

- Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and childbirth

- Emotional and physical support techniques for labor and delivery

- Pain management strategies, including natural and medical options

- Communication skills for working with families and healthcare providers

- Cultural competency and sensitivity in birth practices

- Breastfeeding support and postpartum care

- Ethics and professional standards for doulas

- Understanding and navigating the healthcare system

- Self-care and stress management for doulas


This comprehensive training ensures you are well-equipped to provide exceptional care and support to mothers and families in your community.

More information

The training program spans three 8-hour days and is accredited by the International Childbirth Education Association, contributing to your certification as a Birth Doula.


Your registration includes all necessary materials and supplies, a starter doula bag, and access to our volunteer network. This network not only supports your volunteer work but also assists you in establishing your own professional doula business if desired.


We encourage a suggested donation of $300, with a $50 donation required for a volunteer scrub jacket. Scholarships are available.

Our Impact So Far

Clients Reached

Deliveries Attended

Deliveries Attended

Deliveries Attended

Deliveries Attended

Deliveries Attended

Babies Loved

Deliveries Attended

Doula Trainings Hosted

Doula Trainings Hosted

Doula Volunteers Trained

Doula Trainings Hosted

Doula Volunteers Trained

Doula Volunteers Trained

Doula Volunteers Trained

A Special Thank You to All of Our Community Partners

  • Store
  • DONATE
  • All Things Wellness

Mary's Hands Network

225.424.7532

Copyright © 2023 Mary's Hands Network - All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept