Doula

Collective

FOR MOTHERS

Working with a doula can be one of the most transformative decisions you make for yourself and your baby. Having someone who knows your name, understands your fears, and is fully in your corner changes the entire birth experience. Our doulas are here to make sure you feel seen, supported, and safe from the very beginning.

Work with a doula

FOR DOULAS

Doulas are nothing short of angels. They show up for mothers at their most vulnerable, offering steady hands, calm presence, and unwavering support when it matters most. The work is sacred and the impact lasts a lifetime. If you feel called to this work or are interested in joining the CBC doula collective, we would love to hear from you.

Become a doula

Doula Companions

Our doulas are trained, compassionate women who are deeply rooted in this community and committed to walking alongside mothers through one of the most important experiences of their lives. Get to know them below. When you are ready to take the next step, fill out the form and we will be in touch soon.

CBC community doula Johnnetta, a Black woman, smiling while cradling a sleeping newborn wrapped in a yellow blanket.

Doula Johnnetta serves families in Lafayette Parish. Johnnetta is one of the few Black Placenta Encapsulist in the area. With her counseling background, Johnnetta has published 3 journals of affirmation for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. To learn more about her work go to www.naturaltoyou.com.

Johnnetta Rutledge

CBC community doula, Shieila, a black woman, smiling wearing a black shirt and holding a mug that says “doula”.

Doula Shieila serves Opelousas, LA and surrounding areas. She is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist with a passion for advocacy and perinatal mental health. Her work comes together in her private practice, Lagniappe from Shi's Heart.

Shieila Offord-Charles

CBC community doula [Name], a Black woman, standing beside a new mother in a hospital room following the birth of her baby.

Doula Shawana serves Opelousas and Lafayette families. Shawana has a strong dedication to her community, and is definitely a "crystal wearing, affirmation card pulling" doula! To learn more about her work go to Wild Child Essentials, LLC.

Shawana Chenier Johnson

CBC community doula Saeyoung, a black woman, wearing a dress and sunglasses looking town at the camera standing next to a tree.

Doula Saeyoung is a home birth mother, loving all things natural. Saeyoung is based in New Orleans and focuses her doula work on home birth clients.

Saeyoung Wang

Ready to work with a doula?

A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who provides emotional, physical, informational and advocacy to a pregnant mother during the pregnancy, labor and postpartum period.  Continuous labor support by doulas have been proven to reduce cesarean sections, increase breastfeeding rates and better birthing outcomes.  Our Community Birth Companion Doula Collective are Perinatal Health Professionals who are trained to provide detailed information about pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

The information collected in this form is used solely to help us match you with the right doula support. All information is kept private and confidential. Completing this form is not required — you are always welcome to contact us directly by phone or email to get started.

Elder Charlotte Marie Shilo-Goudeau addressing doula training participants while wearing a blue and gold Ankara dress and matching head wrap.

Doula Training

Our 5-Day Birth Companion and Community Doula Training is designed to provide evidence-based, up-to-date information and cultural competency for community-based, non-medical pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Rooted in a Birth Justice model, our 40-hour program prepares trainees to work with families as a Certified Doula. We recognize the unique needs of families in the Deep South and equip you with the skills to serve diverse communities in Opelousas, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and surrounding areas.

Course topics include: Childbirth Education for Doulas, Comfort Measures, Birth Justice Advocacy and Cultural Competency, Basic Medical Terms, Basic Breastfeeding Education, and more.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the application form below.

Step 2: Send your non-refundable $20 application fee via the button below.

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable but will be applied toward your training costs if you are accepted into the program.

Dates: September 21-September 25, 2026

Are you ready to make a difference?

*Training is made possible through the support of the Louisiana Blue Foundation.

Step 2: Pay Application Fee