Human rights advocates. We acknowledge birth as a reproductive justice issue, affected by barriers based on race, class, religion, traditions, gender identity and sexual orientation. Our community offerings dive deep into historical and cultural context because it matters. Our scholarship programs for trans doulas and BIPOC doulas exist because they need to.

Supporters, not saviors. DTI teaches specific skills for learning to be present to meet the needs of clients and facilitate meaningful conversations with the care providers. We know our stuff—from birth options to the latest evidence-based research—and we believe that the client is ultimately the decision-maker. Our practice is based on mutual trust. Our doulas trust their clients to make their own informed choices, while clients trust our doulas to provide the unconditional care and support they need.

Practitioners of the Slow Doula Method® We teach the Slow Doula Method,® equipping doulas to navigate power dynamics and issues of trauma which can be defining factors for clients. We’re committed to shifting the culture of care to meet the needs of clients. DTI professionals play a vital and central role in humanizing experiences through our unique approach.

Professional entrepreneurs. Feeling drawn to this work means you’re a giver (that’s a given). But in the process of helping others, we encourage our doulas to build their own business dreams. Business and marketing skills blended with an understanding of community doula work is included in our curriculum, so that doulas emerge with confidence and curiosity about a range of possibilities for creating a sustainable practice.

Full-spectrum, birth and postpartum specialists. The benefits of support before pregnancy, during and after childbirth are well-known and well-documented. We train our doulas to understand reproductive health, the anatomy and physiology of birth, and the emotional and physical aspects of the postpartum and newborn period.

Modern-day healers. We understand the ins and outs of physical, mental and spiritual health through the pre-conception, prenatal, birth, postpartum, and newborn periods. We encourage our trainees to practice in an integrative and holistic way if they are certified through other healing modalities.

Community-builders. We need each other to thrive. Our energy is focused on building one another up and fostering lasting relationships to advance the birth profession as a whole. As a result all who train with us become members of DTI’s online community.