MILK Maternal Leadership Institute
Doulas, leaders,
and the women who teach them.
Train, equip, and mentor the next generation of maternal health leaders through lifestyle medicine, postpartum support, community education, and global service.
Women called to birthwork.
The Institute is built for women who feel called to serve mothers, whether you are brand new to birthwork or already practicing. Birth doulas tend to thrive here, but no prior credential is required for Level 1.
You bring the willingness to learn, serve, and lead. We bring the training, the mentorship, and a live environment where you'll practice your skills with real mothers.
Three progressive levels.
Certified Lifestyle & Postpartum Doula
CMD, Certified Maternal Doula
5-Day Foundation
From $1,775
A foundational certification focused on supporting mothers through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant feeding, maternal wellness, and healthy lifestyle practices.
- •Support mothers during the postpartum period
- •Provide evidence-based education
- •Promote healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits
- •Support breastfeeding and infant feeding
- •Teach foundational maternal wellness concepts
- •Hands-on care with mothers in residence
No prior experience required. Birth doulas thrive in this track.
Maternal Leadership Intensive
CML, Certified Maternal Leader
10-Day Intensive
From $3,000
A full 10-day experience that pairs the Level 1 foundation with five additional days of advanced leadership. No prior experience required - you'll complete Level 1 during the first five days, then continue straight into Level 2.
- •Days 1 to 5: Full Level 1 foundation
- •Days 6 to 10: Advanced leadership intensive
- •Lead maternal wellness programs
- •Facilitate group education classes
- •Mentor newer doulas & coordinate community initiatives
- •Day outing in The Woodlands area
Open to applicants with no prior experience. Level 1 graduates from a previous cohort can return to complete just the final five days. Six-month leadership mentorship included.
Global Maternal Health Leadership
Advanced Leadership track
Apply
Mentorship-based
The highest level within the Institute. Prepares graduates to represent MILK Maternal Health and the Sitenda Global Motherhood Project through international service.
- •Cross-cultural maternal health
- •Community-based health education
- •Program implementation
- •Leadership development & cultural humility
- •Global maternal health systems
- •Maternal health advocacy
Requires international travel. Passport and airfare required (program fees included).
credentialing
Graduates earn the CMD (Certified Maternal Doula) or CML (Certified Maternal Leader) credential. National accreditation pending.
Everything you need to be present.
All course materials
Curriculum, workbooks, and reference resources.
Meals during the cohort
Eat at the retreat house or prep at the cohort lodging.
Lodging during the cohort
Stay in our nearby cohort home in Spring (20 minutes from the retreat).
Certification fee
Your CMD or CML credential is included in tuition.
Post-grad mentorship
Six months of leadership mentorship after graduation.
Airport transport
Airport pickup, plus rides to and from the retreat.
You're free to have food delivered, drive yourself, or take Uber for personal outings.
Hands-on, immersive,
and full of mothers.
Each cohort blends classroom instruction at your lodging with hands-on practice at the retreat. You'll work directly with mothers in residence, learn nutrition education and meal prep, and practice a range of therapy techniques alongside our team.
- ✦Hands-on postpartum care with real mothers
- ✦Nutrition education and meal prep
- ✦A variety of body and therapy techniques
- ✦In-class instruction at the cohort home
- ✦10-day cohorts include an outing to The Woodlands
Choose your room.
All lodging is at our cohort home in Spring, TX, about 20 minutes from the retreat. Tuition reflects your room choice.
Triple occupancy
$1,775
Shared room, three beds.
Double occupancy
$1,850
Shared room, two beds.
Single, full bed
$1,975
Private room with a full bed.
Level 2 (10-day) tuition starts at $3,000. Lodging tier pricing applies. Ask about Afterpay.
Next cohort
Fall 2026. Reach out for exact dates and to reserve your seat.
Deposit & balance
$500 deposit secures your spot. Balance due 30 days before cohort. Afterpay available.
Refund policy
Full refund available up to 30 days before the cohort begins.
Taught by Lavi,
her cofounder, and our doctors.
Instruction is led by Lavi and her cofounder, Gaya Harvey, CMD alongside the physicians on our care team. You'll learn from clinicians and birthworkers who serve mothers in this home every week, not theorists.
Meet the care teamTraining doesn't end at graduation.
Level 2 graduates receive six months of ongoing mentorship after training ends.
Program development
Build, launch, and refine a real maternal wellness program in your community.
Public speaking & facilitation
Practice leading classes, workshops, and group sessions with feedback.
Community partnerships
Cultivate relationships with churches, nonprofits, and healthcare partners.
Maternal health advocacy
Move from knowledge to implementation in your own community context.
Monthly leadership sessions
Group coaching, accountability, and practical leadership assignments.
Resource development
Curricula, talking points, and materials you can use immediately.
Uganda.
Learn, serve, exchange.
We partner with The Sitenda Global Motherhood Project for our international leadership experience. The purpose is to learn, serve, collaborate, and exchange knowledge while supporting locally led maternal health initiatives. Doulas learn first-hand how support crosses all cultural barriers.
- ✦Community education
- ✦Maternal wellness workshops
- ✦Postpartum home visits
- ✦Birth center support
- ✦Cultural immersion
- ✦Public health education
- ✦Leadership development
Good questions, answered.
Do I need prior experience?+
No. Both Level 1 (5-day) and Level 2 (10-day) are open to applicants with no prior experience. Level 2 participants complete Level 1 during the first five days, then continue into the leadership intensive. Practicing birth doulas tend to thrive here.
Can I return later to finish Level 2?+
Yes. Level 1 graduates from a previous cohort can return in a future cohort to complete just the final five days of Level 2.
Are international students welcome?+
Yes. International applicants are welcome and encouraged.
What's the time commitment?+
The 5-day cohort is roughly a 60-day total commitment when you include pre-work and certification. The Leadership track adds six months of mentorship. Level 3 includes international travel.
Do I need a passport?+
Only for the Level 3 advanced track, which includes international service. You'll need a passport and to purchase your own airfare (program fees themselves are included).
How do payments work?+
$500 deposit reserves your seat. The balance is due 30 days before the cohort begins. Afterpay is available.
What's your refund policy?+
Full refund available up to 30 days before the cohort start date.
Where will I stay?+
At our cohort home in Spring, TX, about 20 minutes from the retreat. Choose triple, double, or single occupancy.
What about meals and transport?+
Meals are provided at the retreat, and the cohort home has a kitchen for prep. You can also order delivery. We provide airport pickup and rides between the cohort home and the retreat. You're free to drive or Uber for personal outings.
apply
Initial intake & screening.
A short form to introduce yourself. We'll be in touch within a few days with next steps.