When people think about becoming a doula, they often imagine someone who has always dreamed of working in birth. That wasn’t my story. Before enrolling in the Birth to Baby Doula Certification Program, I had completed my Bachelor’s degree in Photography. I was running my own photography business, specializing in weddings and lifestyle photography. I loved documenting meaningful moments, and it was through birth photography that I was first introduced to the world of birth work. The more I learned about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, the more I realized I wanted to be involved in a way that went beyond taking photos.
What Inspired Me to Become a Doula
My sister is a midwife, and she played a huge role in inspiring me to become a doula. Listening to her stories about supporting families made me realize just how meaningful this work is. She also shared experiences where families hadn’t received the kind of support they deserved from their doulas. Hearing those stories made me realize I wanted to become the kind of doula who helps families feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported throughout their journey. I wanted to be someone who could provide evidence-based information, advocate for families, and create a calm, non-judgmental space where parents felt confident making the decisions that were right for them.
Why I Chose the Birth to Baby Doula Certification Program
As I started researching certification programs, I realized I wanted more than an online course. I loved that the Birth to Baby Doula Certification offered self-paced online learning, but also included in-person training and hands-on practice. For me, it wasn’t enough to simply read about labour support or postpartum care. I wanted to practice the skills, ask questions, and learn in a classroom environment where I could receive feedback and build confidence before working with real families. That combination of flexibility and hands-on learning is what made me choose this program.
The Nerves Were Real
Like many people considering a new career, I had doubts before I signed up. Would I know enough? Would I feel confident supporting families? Was I making the right decision? Those worries disappeared surprisingly quickly. From the beginning, Bronwyn and Kathy created an environment where it was clear they genuinely wanted every student to succeed. They weren’t simply teaching a course—they were invested in helping us become knowledgeable, confident doulas. Knowing they were always willing to answer questions, offer encouragement, and share their own experiences made a huge difference in my confidence throughout the program.
Learning by Doing
One of the biggest surprises for me was how practical the training was. Rather than simply listening to lectures or reading textbooks, we were constantly applying what we were learning through discussions, demonstrations, and role-playing. My favourite part of the entire in-person training was practicing comfort measures and labour support techniques. Not only did we get to practice supporting one another, but we also experienced the techniques ourselves. Feeling what those techniques were like gave me a much better understanding of how they could help future clients and when they might be most effective. That hands-on experience made the learning stick in a way that reading alone never could.
Discovering a New Passion
One thing I didn’t expect was how much I would fall in love with postpartum care. I originally joined the program excited about birth work. But as we learned about the challenges families face after birth and the incredible difference postpartum doulas can make during that transition, I found myself becoming more and more passionate about supporting families after their babies arrived. It actually changed the direction I hope to take in my doula career.
What Changed the Most
Looking back, I think the biggest transformation wasn’t simply learning new information. It was gaining confidence. Before starting the program, I felt like I needed to know every answer before I could support families. Bronwyn and Kathy completely changed that perspective. They taught me that even experienced doulas continue learning. That being a great doula isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about listening well, supporting families with compassion, knowing where to find reliable information, and continuing to grow throughout your career. That mindset took away so much of the pressure I had been putting on myself.
Mentorship Didn’t End After Class
One of my favourite parts of the program has actually been the mentorship after the in-person training. Knowing that I can ask questions, reach out when I’m unsure, and receive ongoing support has made such a difference as I’ve started working with families. I’ve never felt like I had to figure everything out on my own. That continued encouragement and guidance has helped me build confidence with every new experience.
My Advice to Future Students
If you’re thinking about becoming a doula but wondering whether you’re ready, I’d encourage you to take the leap. You don’t have to know everything before you begin. The right training will give you knowledge. The right mentors will help you build confidence. And every family you support will continue teaching you something new.
If I had to describe the Birth to Baby Doula Certification Program in just three words, they would be:
Encouraging. Hands-on. Transformative.
Today, I feel prepared to begin supporting families—not because I know everything, but because I have the confidence to keep learning. And that’s one of the greatest gifts this program has given me.
To connect with Lauren, check out her website HERE
