Become a Doula

Become the kind of doula families remember forever.

Our doula development pathway blends expert instruction with mentorship and community. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow into a full-fledged doula career, Sweet Bee offers a proven path to mastery—and membership in our nationally recognized collective.

Your Pathway to Doula Practice

  • Train

     Start your journey with our comprehensive, culturally rooted training. Learn the foundations of birth support, trauma-informed care, and holistic advocacy.

    Enroll in Training

  • Practice

     After training, join our hands-on mentorship cohort to deepen your skills in real-world settings. Receive coaching, guided debriefs, and access to the Sweet Bee framework.

    Join A Cohort

  • Activate

    Upon completion of mentorship, you'll be eligible to apply for a position in our doula collective—supporting full-journey clients and participating in a team-based model of transformational care.

    Seek Sweet Employment

Meet Your Instructor

Leah Hairston, MSSW, CD, CLC, CBE

  • Perinatal Social Worker

  • Full-Spectrum Doula

  • Childbirth Educator

Leah Hairston is a seasoned birth professional on a mission to revolutionize maternal care through education, empowerment, and advocacy. With over nine years of hands-on experience and 140+ families served, Leah leads with both professional insight and compassionate leadership.

Sweet Reviews

  • “Leah's postpartum doula training was phenomenal. We left the training fully equipped to practice. Her willingness to be open and transparent. Her willingness to pour beyond what's required. Her willingness to show up everyday as her best self was simply amazing. I recommend Leah 10x over!” — Crystal B.

  • “Leah was absolutely amazing. I really appreciate how she set such a relaxed tone thru training. Will definitely be attending more trainings with her.” — Dee W.

  • “I could not have asked for a better guide as I step into this sacred work. For any woman considering a path in birthwork, I wholeheartedly recommend training under Sweet Bee Services. The experience has been transformative and empowering.” –Christina C.

FAQs

Do I need previous birth or medical experience?

No. Our training is designed for beginners who feel called to birthwork. We teach everything you need to begin your career confidently.

Is the Sweet Bee Doula Training fully in-person?

The core training is taught live virtually over 12 weeks, with 6 Saturday morning classes and 2 in-person skills development sessions held in Baltimore City.

How many students are in each cohort?

We cap cohorts at 15-20 students to maintain intimacy and quality.

What happens if the cohort fills before I register?

We offer waitlists for those interested in attending a cohort. Waitlisted students have first dibs on the next available spot in a cohort.

Do you offer refunds?

No, as an agency, and due to limited seats with high demand, we do not offer refunds. However, those who have an approved conflict attending their selected cohort may transfer to another cohort within the 2026 teaching calendar only. After 2026, fees are forfeited.

Are payment plans available?

Yes, interest-free plans are available after the deposit. We offer options like Klarna as well.

Do you offer financial aid?

Limited aid is available for students serving Medicaid-eligible families, first-generation doulas, and students committed to equity-centered maternal health.


Who teaches the training?

Doula Leah teaches the full training with guest lectures from pelvic floor therapists, lactation experts, registered dietitians, and other expert practitioners within the Sweet Bee network.

You already have what it takes.
Let’s activate it.