For Doulas, by DoulasThe Texas Doula Association (TDA) is a statewide professional association advancing, protecting, and organizing the Doula workforce across Texas.
Reducing unfair treatment requires alignment between Doulas, communities, and the systems that serve them.
“Where there is congruence, we see lower rates of disparities.”
Kelly McGlothen-Bell, UT Health San Antonio researcher
Understanding and clarifying the role of Doulas across care systems to support better outcomes for every Texan.
Doulas are professionals trained to provide continuous physical, emotional, informational, and advocacy support to parents and families. While Doulas are not medical providers, Doulas are an essential part of care teams—helping families with support and education to make informed choices throughout fertility, pregnancy, loss, birth, and postpartum.
What is a Doula?
What We Do
TDA envisions a future where the Doula profession is self-governed, defined by Doulas, not institutions — and where policy is shaped for Doulas, by Doulas.
Professional Advocacy & Protection
To protect Doula autonomy, sustainability, and professional recognition by advocating for fair policies, inclusive systems, and institutional accountability.
Public Education & Awareness
To increase public understanding of Doula, Doula care, and the importance of collaborative care for birthing families
Collective Language & Role Clarity
To establish and reinforce shared language and clear role understanding for Doulas within systems of care—without adopting medicalized or enforcement-based frameworks.
Community Power & Leadership Development
To strengthen statewide connection between Doulas, shared accountability, and leadership among Texas Doulas.
Texas DoulasGain professional community, advocacy, and leadership opportunities across Texas.
CommunityLearn what Doulas do, why they matter, and how their support saves families.
StakeholderAdvance systems of care through advocacy, research, and collaboration
Texas Doula Workforce Survey In 2025 with funding from the Episcopal Health Foundation, TDA conducted its first Texas Doula Workforce Survey—a statewide intake to better understand the Doula workforce, lived experiences, and the broader birth ecosystem across Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or contact us anytime.
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TDA currently supports a free, private Facebook group for Doulas in Texas looking for greater connection with fellow Doulas across Texas. TDA’s paid membership services open in 2026.
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Join TDA on Facebook, follow our social channels or apply to join one of our volunteer roles today.
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Unlike a Doula trainer or Doula group, TDA is an advocacy-based and community-led movement and non-profit organization of independent Doulas, supporting other Doulas in Texas. We appreciate aligned mission and valuable actions that prioritize the needs of Doulas as a vital role on the maternal care team.
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There is always a need as TDA continues to prioritize growth and opportunities that focus on Doulas getting paid. Contact TDA today to find out what open roles need your help.
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TDA operates on a two-year organizational cycle aligned with the Texas legislative calendar. In Civic Engagement Years (odd years), TDA’s work includes compliant advocacy and public education. In Community Power Building Years (even years), it focuses on capacity-building, Doula leadership development, and narrative change.
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TDA was formed in 2023 when Doulas across the state realized that legislation about their profession was being written without them. In the 88th Texas Legislative Session, multiple “Doula bills” were filed that proposed regulating Doula practices, certifications, and reimbursements, while excluding Doulas from the drafting table and misrepresenting what Doulas actually bring to the community. TDA emerged to correct this power imbalance and ensure that Texas Doulas speak for themselves in every conversation that shapes their scope of practice, reimbursement, and role in maternal health systems.