Dear Student Doula: Your Work Has Value, Even Now
By Julie Clarke – Birth & Postnatal Doula Trainer, Australia
Let me say this as clearly as I can:
Just because you’re a student doula doesn’t mean your support should come for free.
Yes, you’re learning. Yes, you’re growing your confidence.
But make no mistake — you are already holding space in one of the most sacred, vulnerable, and life-changing seasons of someone’s life. That has value. That is work. That deserves respect.
The Hidden Work of a Student Doula
So often, people see doulas as just being “present” for a birth, as if we simply show up, hold a hand, and disappear. But we both know that’s not how it works.
Even as a student, you might be:
Taking long phone calls to calm a worried mama at 11pm
Teaching pregnancy education, birth planning, or comfort measures
Providing reassurance after difficult medical appointments
Being on call — sometimes for weeks — just in case
Holding emotional space for new parents adjusting to life with a newborn
Doing the unseen inner work: learning to trust yourself, building your presence, navigating boundaries
None of this is “just practice.” It’s real service, offered with heart, care, and time.
When Others Expect It for Free
It can be heartbreaking to hear of student doulas being taken advantage of.
Being asked to:
Provide full birth support “for experience”
Attend without backup or proper guidance
Be on call for days, unpaid and unappreciated
Offer pregnancy and postnatal education sessions with no compensation
Let me be very clear: your growth as a doula doesn’t have to come at the cost of your worth.
Experience ≠ Exploitation
Of course you need experience. We all start somewhere.
But gaining experience doesn’t mean offering everything for nothing. It doesn’t mean giving endlessly because you’re “just a student.” And it certainly doesn’t mean allowing others to minimise the emotional labour you offer just because you haven’t yet reached certification.
There is a difference between:
A respectful energy exchange (reduced rates, gift vouchers, testimonials), and
Flat-out exploitation of your time, energy, and expertise.
You are allowed to say:
“I’m still completing my training, but I do offer pregnancy and birth support for a modest fee.”
You are allowed to set boundaries.
You are allowed to value yourself now, not just when you have a certificate in hand.
What You Offer Is Needed
Australia needs more doulas. Desperately.
Women are birthing in systems that are stretched thin, disconnected, and often medicalised beyond what’s necessary. Doulas — including student doulas — are rebuilding the village.
You are the gentle voice on the end of the line.
You are the calm breath in the birth room.
You are the loving witness when everything else feels chaotic.
Whether you’re trained, certified, or still halfway through your workbook, your presence makes a difference. And your presence has value.
To Pregnant Women Reading This:
If you’re lucky enough to have a student doula supporting you — please honour the sacred energy she is pouring into your journey. Offer gratitude, respect, and fair exchange.
A student doula is not a free alternative to professional care. She is a woman in sacred service, growing into her calling, and she deserves to be nurtured too.
To Every Student Doula:
Don’t wait to “feel ready” before claiming your worth.
Start now. Practice now. Value yourself now.
The world doesn’t need perfect doulas — it needs committed ones.
And you, dear sister, are already on the path.
With all my love and respect,
Julie Clarke
