As awareness of perinatal mental health challenges grows, so does the need for doulas to be fully prepared to support families. Recent research emphasizes that doulas, who are already offering emotional and informational support, must be equipped to recognize signs of perinatal mental health concerns. They must also be ready and know how to refer families to appropriate care.
At the International Doula Institute (IDI) we are already aware of and training doulas in perinatal mental health awareness and referral. As a global leader in doula training, IDI is always evolving to keep up with evidence-based care, including mental health support.
Up-to-date doula training goes beyond awareness and includes mental health literacy, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive support. IDI training provides a more nuanced and practical understanding of how to refer clients for support and not simply being aware of red flag symptoms.
From Awareness to Action: Why Perinatal Mental Health Support Matters
Generally speaking, doulas have always been trained to be “aware” of mental health issues like postpartum depression and anxiety. However, as perinatal mental health statistics become more alarming, with perinatal mental health conditions being a leading cause of pregnancy-related death, awareness along is not enough.
Families are often in regular, vulnerable contact with doulas during pregnancy and postpartum. This puts doulas in a unique position not to simply notice but be a safe space parents can voice concerns. New guidelines from leading maternal mental health advocates stress the importance of doulas being able to recognize symptoms of distress and know how to guide their clients to licensed professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
How IDI Training Reflects the Latest Research
At IDI, we keep our core competencies and training modules up to date, so they reflect this evolving scope. Our doulas are not screeners – as this may fall outside the doula scope of practice. We focus on awareness and training doulas to spot potential red flags, respond with empathy, and refer families to the appropriate clinical support.
Our curriculum includes:
- Expanded training on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
- Practical guidance on referral pathways, including local, national, and virtual mental health resources
- Case studies, role plays, and real-world scenarios to help doulas practice compassionate, non-judgmental communication
- Integration of trauma-informed care principles
- Emphasis on inclusive care reflecting the disproportionate mental health burdens faced by marginalized communities
Our curriculum aligns with recommendations from leading maternal mental health organizations. It helps doulas maintain clear professional boundaries while still offering life-changing support.
Strengthening the Doula’s Role in Collaborative Care
Importantly, this shift does not turn doulas into therapists or clinical mental health providers. Instead, it strengthens the doula’s role as a trusted companion. Doulas can bridge the gap between families and mental health professionals. With the right training, doulas can help normalize emotional struggles, reduce stigma, and encourage early intervention. That often leads to better outcomes for both parents and babies.
By equipping doulas with the tools they need to recognize mental health concerns and respond appropriately, the International Doula Institute is ensuring that its graduates are not just birth support providers—they are vital allies in maternal wellness and family resilience.
IDI’s commitment to integrating mental health awareness into doula training reflects a deeper philosophy. Birth and postpartum care must honor the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. More families are seeking comprehensive support. Doulas who are trained in mental health sensitivity and referral are poised to offer safer, more empowering care.
Whether you’re an aspiring doula or a seasoned birth worker, IDI’s approach ensures that you are prepared not just for the physical aspects of birth, but for the emotional complexities as well. And in today’s landscape, that kind of care is not just important, it’s essential.
Are you ready to get started with IDI’s training? Register now!
Author: Aliza Juliette Bancoff
Aliza Juliette Bancoff is a well-known doula and doula trainer who has been providing doula services to families for over a decade. She is the founder of Main Line Doulas, a doula group providing doula support in the great Philadelphia area for the last decade, the International Doula Institute, which provides online doula training and lactation training and certification programs and the International Breastfeeding Institute which provides lactation training and certification. She is the co-founder of United Birth, a company devoted to increasing access to doulas across the country to make the perinatal time safer both physically and emotionally. “Every birthing person deserves access to quality doula support. And we are working to make that a reality across the country. The work we are doing to get doulas to every birthing person will decrease the black infant and maternal mortality rate significantly by 2030.” Says Bancoff. Aliza is known for her compassionate and empowering approach to doula work, and she has been featured in numerous media outlets, including United Nations Maternal Health Report, Parent Magazine, CafeMom, theBump and many more. Aliza's journey into doula work began when she gave birth to her first child and felt a strong calling...