Apply for Doula Care HERE!

Doula Care, Support and Training

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

Apply for Doula Care

Doula Training

Doula Care, Support and Training

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

Apply for Doula Care

Doula Training

Who We Are

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

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.

About Doula Care

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

What is Mary's Hands Network?

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.

What is a doula and what type of support do volunteer doulas provide?

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.

Why become a volunteer doula?

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.

Who can become a volunteer doula with Mary's Hands Network?

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.

Do I need to have previous experience as a doula to volunteer 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.

How are volunteer doulas matched with expectant mothers?

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.

Why International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)?

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.

How can I connect with Mary's Hands Network if I am an expectant mother in need of additional support during my pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey?

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

Are their any laws around doulas and doula care in Louisiana?

Yes. RS 22:1059.1 - RS 22:1059.5 are the most recent laws passed in Louisiana related to doula care, lactation support, insurance coverage, the creation of the doula registry board, as well as acknowledged the dire state of our current maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality rates. You can access these, and all other Louisiana law codes here: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1240072

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. Scholarships are available.

Training Information

Doula Care, Support and Training

Doula Care, Support and Training

¿Está interesada en los servicios de doula?

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

Empowering Women Through Birth Support

Who We Are

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

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

About Doula Care

Birth Doula Training

What's covered in class?

More information

A Special Thank You to All of Our Community Partners

Doula Care, Support and Training

Doula Care, Support and Training

¿Está interesada en los servicios de doula?

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

Empowering Women Through Birth Support

Who We Are

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

The Mary's Hands Difference

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

About Doula Care

Birth Doula Training

What's covered in class?

More information

A Special Thank You to All of Our Community Partners

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