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Community doula network

Be Part of a Community That Uplifts Every Birthing Parent

The Community Doula Network is powered by birth doulas who believe that every birthing person deserves compassionate, culturally rooted care—regardless of income or circumstance. By joining the CDN, you join a collective effort to advance birth equity and provide essential bedside advocacy across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

You Must Have Completed A Reputable Doula Training Program to Participate

We support you every step of the way with clear communication, shared resources, and a strong community network.

Our Commitment to Equity

The Community Doula Network is dedicated to addressing perinatal health disparities and creating a system of care that truly serves Black, Brown, immigrant, low-income, and marginalized families.

As a volunteer doula, you become part of a movement that:

  • Centers equity and dignity in every interaction.

  • Breaks cycles of birth trauma by helping families experience informed, empowered births.

  • Honors culture and language, with a focus on culturally matched support whenever possible.

Your presence, advocacy, and support help shift outcomes and transform generations.

How the CDN Works

The Community Doula Network is not a doula agency. It is a coordinated hub that connects previously trained volunteer doulas with families seeking free birth support throughout the DMV.

Here’s how you’ll serve as a volunteer doula:

  • We receive applications from families across DC, Maryland, and Virginia who are seeking support.

  • You sign up to volunteer based on your availability, interests, and any cultural or language alignments with the client.

  • You may support one or multiple clients at a time, depending on your capacity, providing prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and one postpartum check-in per client.

  • We support you every step of the way with clear communication, shared resources, and a strong community network.

Your contribution directly ensures that families who cannot afford doula services still receive high-quality care.

What Volunteer Doulas Provide

As a CDN volunteer doula, you’ll offer a full-spectrum birth support package that typically includes:

  • Prenatal Preparation
    1–2 prenatal sessions to discuss the client’s birth vision, preferences, comfort techniques, and education.

  • Labor & Birth Support
    Continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during active labor and birth, in hospitals, birth centers, or at home.

  • Postpartum Follow-Up
    One postpartum session within the first two weeks to review the birth, offer emotional support, and provide newborn and feeding resources. Please note: This is a single follow-up visit, as we do not provide extended or long-term postpartum doula services.

How We Support Our Volunteer Doulas

You give so much to the community—and we pour back into you.
CDN volunteer doulas receive:

  • Community & Consultation
    A supportive network of fellow doulas, group discussions, case consultation, and peer support.
  • Certification Support
    Guidance navigating training requirements and assistance working toward professional certification (e.g., DONA International).
  • Continuing Education
    Access to learning opportunities, evidence-based resources, and skill-building workshops.
  • A Collaborative, Empowered Environment
    We value your voice, your lived experience, and your expertise. Your work matters here.

Ready to Volunteer?

Sign up to join the Community Doula Network and become part of a movement committed to equitable, culturally grounded birth support across the DMV. Complete the form to begin the process.

We’re excited to welcome you into the CDN community.