Meet Robin Elise Weiss, Doula Trainer
Hi, I'm Robin Elise Weiss. I've been supporting birth workers and birthing families since 1988, first as a doula, then as a trainer, educator, and mentor.
I became a doula trainer because I needed backup. Seriously. I was covering cities across five states with no support system, and I was exhausted. Training other doulas wasn't just about building community, it was practical necessity. That pragmatic approach hasn't changed. I train doulas who want to do this work well and build something that lasts.
Today I'm an adjunct professor at the University of Louisville School of Public Health, a DONA International Birth Doula Trainer, past president of both DONA International and Lamaze International, and the author of more than a dozen books on pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I've attended over 1,500 births and trained more than 10,000 doulas.
I also foster neonatal kittens, which has taught me more about latch than I expected.
If you're here because you're thinking about doula training, or you're already trained and trying to figure out the business side, you're in the right place.
Ph.D., MPH, BDT/AdvCD(DONA), CLC, LCCE, FACCE
Becoming a doula shouldn't be difficult. I can help.
Why I do what I do...
The first birth I attended—by accident—shocked me. I wasn’t there as a doula. But so many things were happening, and the mother had no idea what was going on. I didn’t know anything about birth, but I knew it wasn't supposed to be like this.
Robin's Background & Training
Supporting birthing families since 1988
My training comes from a variety of sources both in the classroom and the labor room. This has helped me be a really amazing doula trainer as I can bring the work I do as a doula (Yes, I'm still practicing!) to the work I do as a doula trainer.
I've also spent time learning a lot about policy and how policies and systems play into birth today. This insight has allowed me to have conversations with hospitals and others that were not possible before. I think it makes a great addition to the hands-on work I do with families.