Submitted by the Thurston Economic Development Council
On September 14, a new chapter begins for maternal and family care in Olympia with the official launch of The Doula Team LLC. Founded by two passionate and experienced doulas and WA state certified doula trainers, Stacey Callaghan, LM, CPM, CD, and Diksha Berebitsky, CD, Body Ready Pro, this venture is more than just a business—it’s a mission to transform the landscape of doula care and support in the community.
The idea for The Doula Team emerged from a shared recognition that the community was in dire need of well-trained, supported doulas. Stacey and Diksha observed a troubling trend: new doulas were entering the field unprepared, often lacking the hands-on experience and mentorship necessary to thrive. The burnout rate was alarmingly high, with many leaving the profession within 3-5 years due to the emotional toll and financial instability.
“The reality of being on call 24/7, no insurance payments which make it hard for clients to utilize services, long work hours in exchange for low pay, small business ownership challenges, and more… There so many obstacles to success that need to change,” says Diksha.
Determined to change this, Stacey and Diksha envisioned a new model—one that not only provided comprehensive training but also ongoing mentorship and support. The Doula Team was born from this vision, offering a program that goes beyond the basics. The business model currently features quarterly in-person doula training that spans four days and a total of 32 hours. On the fourth day, trainees receive the required Childbirth Education and Lactation Classes needed for Washington State Certification. These training courses equip participants with in-depth knowledge of the labor process, pain management techniques, complications, comfort measures, and the Doula scope of practice. This holistic approach ensures that new doulas are not only skilled but are confident and well-prepared to support families from the very beginning, as well as reduce burnout and increase overall job satisfaction.
“We want to doula our doulas,” says Diksha.
Stacey & Diksha have also integrated a Doula Referral Agency into their business model with services for parents in need of doulas. They personally vet the doulas and stand behind their skills, as well as promote each individual doula so that parents and families can find one that fits their specific needs. This and the addition of Washington State insurance coverage for doulas, beginning in 2025, will elevate the experience of both the doulas and the families.
The company also places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. “It’s important for people to know that we want to be an accessible place for everyone,” Stacey shares. They are committed to serving clients from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and supported, regardless of their race, beliefs, or socioeconomic status. This pillar of their company is represented in ongoing educational workshops for both doulas and families. These quarterly events cover a wide range of topics related to the childbearing years, general health, and mental wellness. By inviting local guest speakers who are experts in their fields, The Doula Team creates a space for the community to learn, share, and grow together.
Addressing a Critical Need
The Doula Team’s mission is deeply rooted in addressing the alarming trends in maternal health. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the leading cause of maternal death is behavioral health conditions, with 32% of maternal deaths resulting from suicide and overdose. What’s even more concerning is that 80% of these deaths are preventable. The Doula Team recognizes that more medicine alone isn’t the answer; a human-based approach is essential. By providing comprehensive doula care, they aim to bridge the gap and improve the mental and emotional well-being of parents during and after childbirth.
How It All Began
Stacey Callaghan’s journey into midwifery and doula work began in 1996. After earning her degree, she immersed herself in the world of birth, partnering with midwives and becoming a certified doula. Over the years, Stacey balanced her professional work with her personal life, raising two children and furthering her education in midwifery, which she completed in 2014. Her path took a poignant turn when she took a sabbatical to care for her mother, who sadly passed away due to COVID-19. This experience deepened Stacey’s commitment to gentle, compassionate care, particularly in a time when many of her fellow doulas had left the profession due to burnout.
Diksha Berebitsky, a mother of two, also has a profound connection to the birth world. Her empowering experiences with her own births, supported by a doula, ignited her passion for the profession. With a background as a licensed massage therapist and a deep understanding of body mechanics, Diksha naturally transitioned into doula work. Her journey was significantly influenced by Stacey, whom she shadowed for two years, absorbing wisdom and skills that have shaped her 16-year career. Today, Diksha is a leader in her field, known for her expertise in body alignment and as an infant massage instructor. She is also a professional birth photographer.
A Vision for the Future
In their journey, The Doula Team has worked closely with EDC’s Ashley Whitley, Program Director at the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB), along with Enterprise for Equity.
“Enterprise for Equity training sent us [to WCWB] and opened our minds to different resources. We were shocked at what we found at the WCWB…shocked that Ashley would just sit down with us and help us with our business,” said Stacey & Diksha. “She is a great connector and someone we feel like we could call with different business questions and actually get an answer, and not months later.”
Looking ahead, The Doula Team has big dreams. They envision creating a dedicated space for families in Olympia. This space would be more than just a childbirth center; it would be a community center where families can connect, learn, and grow together. With plans to offer a wide range of classes, from sibling preparation to postpartum nutrition, The Doula Team aims to support families through every stage of the childbearing years.
In the meantime, The Doula Team is actively fundraising to provide scholarships for their training programs, making it possible for more aspiring doulas to enter the field. They are also working closely with other local businesses and organizations to build a network of support that extends beyond the birthing room.
Join the Celebration
The official launch of The Doula Team will be marked with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 14 at Kenneydell Park Lodge. The event will take place from 11-2 pm with the official ribbon cutting happening at 12:30pm.
The event will also include a community potluck, a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, and an opportunity to meet the team and learn more about their work.
As Stacey and Diksha look to the future, their message is clear: “We need this.” The Doula Team is here to elevate doula care, support families, and build a stronger, more compassionate community for all.
For more information or to get involved, visit The Doula Team, LLC’s website or email them directly at thedoulateamdoulas@gmail.com.