Mentorship | innerlightcoachdoula

Innerlight Holistic Doula Mentorship Program (IHDMC)

At InnerLight Holistic (ILH) Perinatal Consulting, we believe that birthwork is more than a profession—it is a sacred calling deeply rooted in Black women's historical and cultural lineage. The InnerLight Holistic Doula Mentorship Circle (IHDMC) is designed to nurture and guide Black birthworkers—doulas, maternal health advocates, and aspiring midwives—through a rites of passage framework that grounds them in history, community, and holistic practice.

Why the IHDMC Exists

For generations, Black birthworkers have been the backbone of their communities, providing essential care, wisdom, and advocacy. However, the impact of systemic racism, medical violence, and the erasure of Black midwifery traditions has created a disconnect from this ancestral knowledge. IHDMC is here to reclaim and restore that legacy by fostering a holistic, decolonized, and culturally affirming approach to birthwork.

Our mentorship program is not just about skills development—it is about cultivating self-awareness, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose within the work. We center Black birthworkers as agents of change, equipping them with the tools to support, educate, and empower Black birthing families.

The IHDMC Approach: Rites of Passage Mentorship

Our mentorship model is not a traditional training program—it is an immersive, holistic journey that transforms the birthworker from within. The IHDMC process:

Centers Black Birthworkers – We decenter whiteness and reclaim the ancestral wisdom of Black midwives, healers, and birthworkers.
Uses a Rites of Passage Framework – We guide birthworkers through stages of self-discovery, education, and practice, ensuring they develop a deep-rooted understanding of their role in birthwork.
Honors Holistic Intuitive Practice™ – We integrate mind-body-spirit alignment, emphasizing both evidence-based practices and intuitive wisdom.
Creates Community & Collective Healing – The mentorship is rooted in sisterhood, accountability, and shared knowledge, ensuring that every mentee has a support network of experienced birthworkers.

Structure of the IHDMC Program

Foundation & Historical Grounding

Understanding the ancestral lineage of Black birthwork
Decolonizing the birth space & reclaiming traditional wisdom
Exploring the intersections of race, gender, and reproductive justice
Building self-awareness as a birthworker

Knowledge & Skill-Building

Practitioner chat from IHDMC alumni and maternal health experts on a wide range of topics. Past session topics include:

Five Pillars of Postpartum Wellness
Curating the Business of Birthwork

Scars in Postpartum
Perinatal Pelvic Health & Doula Care