Why Most Basic Lactation Trainings Leave Doulas Feeling Lost (And What to Do Instead)

Most basic lactation trainings don’t prepare doulas for feeding support. Here’s why they fall short, and how to build confident breastfeeding support

Hey friend, if you’ve ever sat through a basic lactation module and walked away thinking, “Wait… that’s it?”... you’re so not alone.

Today we’re getting clear about why most basic lactation training for doulas leaves you underprepared, and what you can actually do to feel confident supporting feeding families.

Because families trust you. They’re looking to you for reassurance and guidance, especially during one of the most emotional (and vulnerable) parts of postpartum, feeding their baby.

You deserve to feel ready for that.

The Problem: “Point the Nipple to the Nose” Isn’t Enough

I’ve been exactly where you are.

When I first trained as a doula, I walked away from my intro lactation training remembering one thing: “Point the nipple to the nose.”

That was it.

But when a client’s baby wouldn’t latch, or a parent was crying over sore nipples, or supply suddenly dropped, I froze. I second-guessed every word I said.

And I knew I wasn’t helping in the way I wanted to.

It wasn’t my fault. It’s not yours either.

Here’s what I’ve learned about why most basic lactation trainings for doulas feel like they barely scratch the surface, and how you can fill in the gaps.

Why Basic Lactation Training Falls Short

1) They Teach Definitions, Not Real-Life Application

Most modules cover what colostrum is or define “letdown.” But do they actually teach you how to spot a shallow latch or what to say when a parent asks, “Is my baby getting enough milk?”

Usually not.

Why this matters: If you only memorize terms but don’t practice observing and communicating, you’ll feel stuck in real time.

You’ll have knowledge, but not the practical skills to back it up.

2) They Skip the Emotional Realities of Feeding

Feeding isn’t just physical. It’s deeply emotional.

When a family struggles, they’re often wrestling with guilt, shame, or fear. Most entry-level trainings gloss over how to hold space for that.

Picture this: A client whispers, “I feel like my body is failing.”

If you haven’t been prepared for that moment, you might panic...or throw out facts that don’t help.

Why this matters: When families don’t feel emotionally supported, they’re more likely to shut down or give up. You deserve tools to be the bridge they need.

3) They Don’t Clarify What’s Actually in Scope

Here’s one of the biggest fears doulas share with me: “Am I allowed to say that?”

Basic trainings rarely clarify what you can ethically do when it comes to lactation support.

Can you suggest a new position? Can you explain pumping basics?

Without clear boundaries, you’ll either overshare, or stay silent when you could help.

Why this matters: Knowing your scope keeps you ethical, confident, and trusted. Most doulas default to “stay in your lane”...but what if you stopped over-referring by default?

4) They Don’t Prepare You for Common Challenges

It’s one thing to say, “Call an IBCLC if there’s pain.”

But what do you do while your client waits for that appointment?

Maybe they’re engorged and anxious. Maybe they’re trying to triple feed and exhausted.

You don’t need to solve everything.

But knowing how to offer simple, appropriate support, like suggesting hand expression or a cool compress, can be life-changing.

Why this matters: Small, in-scope steps build trust. Silence leaves families feeling abandoned, and you feeling like an imposter.

5) They Leave You Without a Community or Mentor

Most intro trainings are one-and-done. No follow-up. No mentorship.

No place to bring your “I’m not sure what to do” moments.

And if you do ask for help in a random Facebook group? Too often, you’re told to stay quiet because you’re not an IBCLC.

Why this matters: No birthworker should feel isolated or shut down for wanting to learn. You need a safe, supportive space to ask questions, grow your skills, and celebrate your wins.

How to Actually Build Confident Feeding Support (Without Becoming an IBCLC)

If your basic training left you hanging, you’re not stuck.

Here’s what I’d love for you to do:

✅ Pick 3 Feeding Topics to Go Deeper On: Maybe it’s milk supply, latching, or pumping. Write them down.

✅ Observe Real Life: Watch how families feed in real time. Pay attention to baby cues, parent emotions, and what works. Learning by seeing is powerful.

✅ Clarify Your Scope: Get crystal clear on what you can ethically do. This alone will boost your confidence tenfold.

✅ Stay Connected: Find a mentor or community that gets the doula side of lactation. You don’t have to do this alone.

You’re Not Underqualified, You’re Under-Supported

You don’t need to be an IBCLC to offer meaningful, safe, and impactful feeding support.

You do need the right tools, practice, and community.

If you’re ready to fill those gaps, I’d love to invite you to my free training: Confident Lactation for Birthworkers: Stand Out, Get Referrals, Grow.

I’ll teach you how to build real-life skills, serve with heart, and grow a thriving practice, without piling on more certifications you don’t actually want.

You’re already enough. Let’s make it feel that way.

Ready for what’s next? Sign up here.

I can’t wait to see you inside.

Save your seat here → https://www.birthworkinstitute...