About the Fellowship
The Wholistic Doula Fellowship is an immersive experience for trained birth and postpartum doulas seeking hands-on support while working through the doula certification process.
This opportunity is ideal for birth professionals looking to deepen their practice, gain clients for certification, engage in community-centered care, and contribute to a meaningful health initiative.
The Wholistic Doula Fellowship gives trained birth and postpartum doulas the chance to work directly with families through a local doula agency and through Promise, a community initiative in partnership with the Black Physicians and Healthcare Network and Dr. Janeen Cross, maternal-child health expert and professor at the Howard University School of Social Work. Fellows will also complete certification requirements through hands-on fieldwork, gaining advanced experience in prenatal, birth, and postpartum care while serving 3–5 families during the program.
What You Will Gain:
- Hands-on experience with families
- Attend 3-5 births with guided mentorship
- Advanced doula training
- Access to continuing education & professional development opportunities
- Pathway to Wholistic Doula Certification
- A professional support community
Application Process and Timeline
The application process helps us to get to know you and learn more about your passion for birth work. As you move through the questions, answer from your heart and let your personality shine through. We are not looking for perfection, but for realness and authenticity.
There are 2 phases to the application process. The first phase includes a written and video submission. This second phase, if selected to move forward, includes a virtual interview with the fellowship selection committee.
Your video does not have to be a technical masterpiece. Please just make sure we can see and hear you clearly and that your background is free of clutter and distractions. We are also looking for you to answer each question fully.
Interviews will be completed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. The selection committee will review your application and contact you within 3 days of submission. You will receive an email informing you if you have been selected to move forward with an interview.
Written Application With Video Submission
To apply, you will:
- Submit a written application form
- Upload a video (no more than 5 minutes)
In your written application, you will:
- Answer background questions
- Tell us why you chose to become a doula
- Explain why you want to be a part of this fellowship program
- Describe obstacles or barriers you face in completing your certification or gaining experience with families.
In your video, you will:
- Introduce yourself (your name, and the city/state you live in)
- Describe the ‘history of you’ (talk about the work you did before you decided to become a doula, your educational background, and other things you would like to share that led you to where you are today).
- Explain why you think doula work is important
- Explain how you plan to make a difference in maternal and infant health
Application Period: Now through September 25, 2025
Interviews: Offered on a rolling basis until all slots are filled
Orientation: October 2, 2025
Eligibility & Requirements
- Must have completed a birth or postpartum doula training or have experience working with birthing families in a supportive or clinical role (ie, RN, IBCLC, Childbirth Educator, Baby Nurse, etc.)
- Ability to support families in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Washington, DC
- Commit to serving a minimum of 3 families
- Complete an 8-module Doula Foundations Review (synchronous/asynchronous) and hands-on skills workshops.