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PRESS RELEASE: Blissful Birth Initiations Doula Training Certifies 17 New Doulas, Expanding Access to Maternal Support Across the Region

August 12, 2025

PRESS RELEASE: Blissful Birth Initiations Doula Training Certifies 17 New Doulas, Expanding Access to Maternal Support Across the Region

MEDIA CONTACT
Paige Lee
Communications & Marketing Manager, Thurston EDC
[email protected]
360-754-6320

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blissful Birth Initiations Doula Training Certifies 17 New Doulas, Expanding Access to Maternal Support Across the Region

Olympia, WA — August 12, 2025 — Seventeen newly certified doulas are ready to serve families across the South Sound thanks to the Blissful Birth Initiations (BBI) Doula Training, a Washington State–approved program designed to prepare birth workers with evidence-based skills, cultural awareness, and hands-on experience.

Led by veteran doula Diksha Berebitsky, CD, BRM Pro, and co-educator Stefanie Anderson, RN, BSN, IBCLC, the intensive 4-day, 32-hour training was held in collaboration with the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB), with generous support from MultiCare, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), and the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce.

MultiCare fully sponsored tuition for 14 participants, an investment championed by Jondra Long, DNP, MS, RN, CHSE, CNEn, Regional Director of Women’s Services at MultiCare Capital Medical Center.

“Every patient who wants a doula should be able to have one,” said Long.

Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike medical providers, they focus on the human side of birth—listening, encouraging, advocating, and helping families feel informed and safe. Research shows that doula care can improve birth outcomes, reduce interventions, and foster more positive experiences for families.

The BBI curriculum blends perinatal care education, trauma-informed and culturally attuned support, hands-on labor practice, and professional development. Graduates are eligible for Washington State certification, which allows them to be reimbursed for services through Apple Health (Medicaid), increasing access for families who may not otherwise be able to afford doula care.

“Many have experienced firsthand the gaps in birth support within their own communities, and they’re stepping up to close those gaps,” said Berebitsky.

The partnership between EDC, WCWB, MultiCare, SPSCC, and the Thurston County Chamber reflects a shared vision: that doula care is not only vital healthcare, but also a pathway to entrepreneurship. By reducing barriers to entry, the program supports birth workers in building sustainable small businesses while advancing maternal health equity.

The next Blissful Birth Initiations Doula Training will take place during the first two weekends of November 2025, with additional cohorts planned for 2026.

To learn more or register

www.doulaolympia.com
360-259-6593


About Blissful Birth Initiations

Blissful Birth Initiations offers state-approved doula training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development for birth workers. Led by experienced doula and educator Diksha Berebitsky, the program combines evidence-based education with a deep commitment to cultural awareness, compassion, and empowerment.

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