Why Are We Here? 

Because the disparities in maternal and infant health in Kern County demand urgent action, 

Black infants in Kern County face an infant mortality rate of 11.2 per 1,000 live births—nearly twice the county average. 

Latina mothers experience some of the highest rates of gestational diabetes, affecting 12–15% of pregnancies, increasing the risk of complications and long-term health challenges for both parent and baby. And too often, they are left without Spanish-speaking support. 

Black and Indigenous mothers are disproportionately affected by preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension, contributing to higher rates of preterm birth, severe complications, and maternal morbidity.

Kern County has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in California, with Black mothers three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. 

This is why we exist! 

Because doula care can be part of the solution: 

1. Reduces cesarean births by up to 39%

2. Lowers the risk of preterm birth by 22%

3. Decreases complications from gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia

4. Improves maternal mental health, offering emotional support and advocacy

5. Creates trust and continuity through culturally competent care, especially when doulas speak Spanish, Arabic, Punjabi, and other community languages

6. But the doulas who reflect and serve these communities face barriers.

7. Many aspiring doulas from historically marginalized backgrounds cannot afford certification and lack access to experienced mentors. That’s where we come in.

Welcome to the Doula Training Guide. 

Three Moons Doula Collective was created to change this reality by offering community-centered, culturally rooted, and hands-on doula training. Our program equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to confidently support clients through: 

1. Pregnancy, labor, and birth

2. Postpartum recovery and lactation (including bottle-feeding support)

3. Business development and Medi-Cal provider enrollment

4. Navigating billing and the PAVE portal with confidence

5. Whether you are just beginning or expanding your skills, our training is designed to help you grow into a compassionate, skilled, and Medi-Cal-ready doula, ready to make a real impact in your community.

This is your pathway. This is our collective calling. Welcome to the ancestral work.