Military life comes with a unique set of challenges—frequent moves, time apart from loved ones, and often being stationed far from family support. Finding a career that moves with you, offers flexibility, and provides meaningful work can feel like a challenge, but becoming a doula might be the perfect fit.
The Need for Doulas in Military Life
I got started as a doula completely by accident. My next-door neighbor asked if I could bring in her mail while she was in the hospital being induced—her husband was away at BNOC (Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, now BLC), and she was facing labor alone.
What started as a simple favor quickly turned into something more. I found myself staying with her, offering support, and witnessing firsthand how much of a difference having someone by your side during birth can make. That experience lit a fire in me, and I knew I wanted to do this work. From that moment on, I was hooked, and I set out to learn everything I could about supporting birthing families.
Many military families face pregnancy, birth, and postpartum without a built-in support system nearby. Spouses may be navigating birth alone due to deployments or training schedules. Friends and family who would normally step in often live states—or even countries—away.
That’s where doulas come in. Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. For military families, having a doula can make a huge difference in feeling prepared, confident, and supported through these transitions.
For military spouses looking for a fulfilling career, becoming a doula offers:
✔ A Portable Career – You can take your skills anywhere the military sends you. There will always be people having babies, no matter where you’re stationed.
✔ Flexibility – Work as much or as little as you want, taking on clients when it fits your family’s needs.
✔ A Way to Build Community – Supporting other military families strengthens connections and helps create a strong local network.
✔ A Business You Can Grow Over Time – Whether you want to work part-time or turn it into a full-time career, you have control over how you build your practice.
My Journey: From Service Member to Doula
I got my start as a doula while serving in the Army. I saw firsthand how military families often faced birth and postpartum without the close support many civilians take for granted. That experience opened my eyes to the impact a doula can have—not just for the birthing person, but for the entire family.
Over the years, I’ve seen military spouses thrive as doulas. Some focus on birth support, while others specialize in postpartum care, helping new parents adjust in those crucial early weeks. Some even go on to offer childbirth education or lactation support, expanding their skills as they grow their business.
TRICARE Coverage for Doulas
One major benefit of working as a doula in the military community is that TRICARE now offers reimbursement for doula services. This means that eligible families may be able to have a portion of their doula care covered, making it more accessible for military families while also providing doulas with a steady client base.
How Does TRICARE Doula Coverage Work?
- Available to TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select beneficiaries.
- Covers certified birth doulas in select locations.
- Requires families to enroll in the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD).
While coverage varies, this program is a game-changer for military families who need extra support—and for doulas looking to serve their community. Military spouse doulas, in particular, have a unique advantage in understanding the challenges of military life and can be a trusted resource for expectant families.
Getting Started as a Doula
One of the biggest benefits of doula work is that you don’t need an expensive degree to get started. Training programs are available in-person and online, allowing you to learn in a way that fits your lifestyle.
For those concerned about the cost, some military spouses may be eligible for MYCAA (My Career Advancement Account) funding, which provides financial assistance for career training. This can be a great way to cover some or all of the cost of doula certification.
Is Doula Work Right for You?
If you’re someone who:
✔ Loves supporting others in meaningful ways
✔ Wants a career that can move with you
✔ Needs a flexible schedule to balance military life
✔ Feels passionate about birth, babies, and postpartum care
Then becoming a doula might be exactly what you’re looking for!
Military families need more support, and doulas play a key role in filling that gap. Whether you’re helping a first-time parent feel more confident, supporting a family whose service member is deployed, or guiding someone through the early postpartum period, your work as a doula can make a lasting impact.
Meet Robin
Robin Elise Weiss, Ph.D., MPH, CLC, BDT/AdvCD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE is a veteran, childbirth educator, and experienced doula trainer with over 30 years in the field. As a former service member, she understands the unique challenges military families face and is passionate about helping others build sustainable doula careers. Robin has trained thousands of doulas and is dedicated to equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to support birthing families with confidence. Learn more about becoming a doula at LearnToBeADoula.com. Follow along with Robin on Instagram.
