Most Frequently Asked Questions
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I am a new doula without any experience yet… do I qualify?
Yes. You absolutely qualify.
Our Ecuador program is a beautiful place to begin. It will give you foundational tools, perspective, and confidence as you step into this work.
For Tanzania, we typically recommend having some experience, as the clinical environment can be intense. That said, we have had newer doulas join us and thrive. Through our application, info session, and interview process, we will help determine if it is the right fit for you at this stage in your journey.
I am not a doula but a [student midwife, L&D nurse, lactation consultant, therapist, etc.]… do I qualify?
Yes, and we would be honored to have you.
Our programs bring together a wide range of people who care deeply about maternal health. If you are hoping to engage clinically in Tanzania, additional medical insurance may be required, which we will discuss with you.
Otherwise, you are always welcome to be present within the scope of a doula, which often offers a completely different and deeply valuable perspective. We believe in cross-disciplinary learning, and we also recognize that there are medical missions that may be more appropriate for those seeking hands-on clinical practice.
I have no travel experience… is that okay?
Yes. Many of our participants are first-time travelers.
From the moment you land to the moment you leave, we are there to support you. You will be held, guided, and cared for throughout the experience. The only thing we ask is that you come prepared with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and your passport ready.
I am interested in becoming a doula… where should I start?
Start with our Full Spectrum Doula Training.
This is a self-paced, online course designed to support you from the very beginning. It will not only give you the tools to step into birthwork, but it will also challenge you to think critically, understand global maternal health, and find your place within this work.
The world needs more birthworkers. We would love to support you in becoming one.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. We are deeply committed to accessibility. Scholarship funding varies depending on available resources, but we always do our best to support those who feel called to this work.
We also offer flexible payment plans and provide guidance on fundraising. Many participants find creative ways to make these experiences possible, and we are here to support you in that process.
Can I travel with my children on these trips?
As much as we love babies and little ones, these programs are not designed to accommodate children.
The experiences are immersive, full, and often emotionally and physically demanding. We want you to be able to fully arrive, learn, and integrate without divided attention.
That said, we are dreaming up future experiences specifically for mothers who want to travel with their children.
About Wombs of the World ​
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What is Wombs of the World?
Wombs of the World is a global maternal health initiative rooted in the belief that birth is a universal human experience, and that how we care for mothers reflects the health of our societies.
We offer doula training, international learning programs, and community-based education designed to reconnect birthwork with cultural wisdom, evidence-based care, and human dignity.
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What makes your programs different from other doula trainings or travel experiences?
Wombs of the World sits at the intersection of professional training, cultural exchange, and personal transformation.
Yes, you will gain tangible skills. Yes, you will deepen your understanding of birth physiology, postpartum care, and support work. But what sets this work apart is that it is inherently global, relational, and deeply human.
We believe that maternal health cannot be understood within a single system. To truly understand birth, you must look across cultures, across histories, and across ways of knowing. In some places, birth is highly medicalized. In others, it remains deeply rooted in community, ceremony, and tradition. Both hold lessons.
Our programs are designed to expand your lens. You are not only learning how to support birth. You are learning how systems shape birth, how culture shapes care, and how you, as a birthworker, exist within that larger picture.
This work is not just educational. It is transformational.
That is the word we hear most often from our participants, and it is not something we take lightly.
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What does “birth is universal” mean?
Across cultures, languages, and borders, birth connects us all.
While practices, beliefs, and systems may differ, the experience of bringing life into the world is shared. We believe that by learning from one another, we can begin to rebuild systems of care that are more humane, respectful, and aligned with the needs of mothers and families.
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How do you approach cultural exchange?
With humility, respect, and long-term relationships.
We work with trusted partners on the ground and prioritize learning from local practitioners, especially traditional midwives and community leaders. We are intentional about avoiding extractive or performative engagement.
This work is relational. It is slow. And it is deeply meaningful.
Travel Programs (General) ​
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What is included in the travel programs?
Each program includes accommodations, in-country transportation, meals (varies slightly by destination), guided experiences, and all educational programming.
From the moment you arrive, everything is coordinated so you can focus on learning and being present.
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What is not included?
Flights, travel insurance, visas (if required), tips, and personal expenses are not included.
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Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is required for all participants.
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What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations vary by destination but are always safe, comfortable, and thoughtfully chosen. We prioritize places that allow for rest, connection, and integration.
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Is it safe to travel with Wombs of the World?
Yes, and we take this question seriously.
We work closely with trusted, long-standing partners on the ground in each location. These relationships are the foundation of how we move through the world. If there is ever uncertainty around safety, we adjust plans immediately. We do not take unnecessary risks.
Most of our programs take place outside of major cities, often in more rural or community-based settings. These environments tend to offer a slower pace, deeper connection, and a different kind of safety than what people often associate with travel.
We also prepare you before you arrive and support you throughout the experience. You are not navigating this alone.
At the same time, this is not a luxury retreat. You are stepping into real environments, real systems, and real stories. We ask that participants come with awareness, adaptability, and respect for the places we are entering.
Payments, Pricing & Scholarships​
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Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer custom payment plans for each individual.
We understand that birthwork is often a labor of love, and we are deeply committed to making our programs as accessible as possible. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all structure, we work with you directly to create a plan that feels realistic and supportive.
You will work one-on-one with our team, typically with Jenny, to find a rhythm of payment that meets you where you are at.
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Can I fundraise for my trip?
Yes, absolutely.
Many of our participants have successfully fundraised for their trips. We are happy to guide you through that process and share ideas and examples of what has worked for others.
Depending on your destination, we can also connect you with projects happening on the ground. Some participants choose to fundraise not only for their own experience, but also to contribute to the communities they will be learning from and working alongside.
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Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. Our travel programs offer a limited number of scholarships, depending on available funding.
In addition, our Full Spectrum Doula Training offers seasonal scholarships throughout the year. These are designed to expand access to the online training and support a more globally representative community of birthworkers.
You can apply for current scholarship opportunities HERE.
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How are scholarships awarded?
Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of financial need, alignment with the work, and the intention behind your application.
We read each application with care and do our best to distribute available funds in a way that reflects both accessibility and impact.
Our Offerings: Training & Global Programs
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What is included in the Full Spectrum Doula Training?
Our Full Spectrum Doula Training is a comprehensive, self-paced online program designed to prepare you for real-world birthwork while expanding your understanding of maternal health on a global scale.
The training includes:
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Birth physiology and the hormonal process of labor
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Postpartum care and early parenthood support
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Trauma-informed care and emotional support tools
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Reproductive justice and systems-based understanding of maternal health
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Global birth practices and traditional midwifery perspectives
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Loss and bereavement support
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Lactation and infant care foundations
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Communication, advocacy, and working within medical systems
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Business and entrepreneurship for doulas
In addition to the course content, you will receive:
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One year of monthly live Zoom mentorship
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Access to our private Facebook group
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Access to a WhatsApp community for ongoing connection
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The opportunity to be listed in our global Doula & Birthworker Directory upon certification
This training is designed not only to educate you, but to support your growth into the kind of birthworker the world is deeply needing.
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Do you offer certification?
Yes, we offer a certification pathway through our Full Spectrum Doula Training.
Certification is granted upon completion of all course modules, a capstone project, and a final assessment designed to ensure you understand both the practical and ethical scope of the work.
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Do you offer in-person or international training experiences?
Yes.
We currently offer international learning programs in Mexico, Tanzania, and Ecuador. These experiences are designed as advanced, immersive trainings that build upon a foundational understanding of birthwork.
Participants who complete these programs receive an Advanced Doula Training certificate.
Because of the depth and nature of these experiences, we require that participants already be practicing birthworkers or have completed a foundational training prior to joining.
What is my role on international programs?
Participants join our international programs as learners.
Even in clinical settings, your role is not to act as a medical provider, but to observe, support within scope, and engage respectfully with the environment and those providing care.
We hold a strong commitment to honoring the scope of practice of a doula.
If you are a medical professional, such as a midwife, labor and delivery nurse, or OB-GYN, we will work with you individually to assess your scope of practice within the clinical settings, particularly in Tanzania.
Community & Continued Involvement
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What happens after I complete a program?
You are invited to become part of the Wombs of the World community.
Upon certification, you have the opportunity to be listed in our Birthworker Directory, connecting you to a global network of practitioners. In many ways, this becomes a kind of global village.
Many of our participants continue their journey through additional trainings, mentorship, collaborations, or by staying actively engaged within the community.
This work does not end when the program does. It evolves.
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About the Wombs of the World Foundation
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What is the Wombs of the World Foundation?
The Wombs of the World Foundation is our 501(c)(3) nonprofit sister organization.
The Foundation is responsible for supporting the on-the-ground projects connected to our work, including clinical training initiatives, community-based maternal health programs, and resource distribution in the regions where we operate.
While our trainings focus on education and connection, the Foundation allows us to deepen our impact through direct support and long-term partnerships.
You can learn more about the Foundation here:
Still have questions?
Thank you so much for reaching out. Please fill out this form or shoot us an email. We are a tiny team and appreciate your patience as we get back to you.