Gifted Hands International

06/08/2026

Class of 2026 — now officially Advanced Full Spectrum Doulas!

Today, we celebrate a remarkable group of birth workers who have successfully completed five months of rigorous training, live simulations, hands-on clinical experience, and professional development designed to prepare them for excellence in maternal health.

These graduates have demonstrated dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving families through every stage of the reproductive journey. They leave this program equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide compassionate, evidence-based support in their communities and beyond.

At Gifted Hands International, we believe higher standards of care start with exceptional training and this graduating class embodies that mission.

As they step into the next chapter of their birthwork careers, we are excited to see the impact they will make, the families they will support, and the lives they will help transform.

Please join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of the Gifted Hands International Class of 2026!

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! 💪🏾❤️

06/05/2026

Oh, and did we mention it was Orientation Weekend?

Meet Cohort 11

This incredible group of future doulas is officially beginning their journey toward becoming compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled birth workers. Over the next 20 weeks, they’ll gain the tools, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to support families through some of life’s most transformative moments.

From building community and learning evidence-based practices to developing the heart of a servant leader, this is where the journey begins.

We are honored to welcome each of these students into the Gifted Hands International family and cannot wait to watch them grow, learn, and step boldly into their purpose.

Join us in welcoming Cohort 11!

06/04/2026

Did we mention it was clinical weekend?

Today, 11 students gathered for the final leg of their 5-month journey toward becoming Full Spectrum Doulas!

This weekend, they’ll put their knowledge into practice through hands-on training, simulations, and real-world scenarios designed to prepare them for the important work ahead. We’re going to challenge them, support them, and help them sharpen the skills they’ll need to serve families with compassion, excellence, confidence, and professionalism.

This is where knowledge meets practice, passion meets purpose, and future birth workers step fully into their calling.

We are incredibly proud of this cohort and all they’ve accomplished to reach this milestone. We can’t wait to watch them rise to the occasion and take the next step toward making a lasting impact in maternal health.

Higher standards of care start here. ⬇️

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

So honored to be one of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois special beginnings partners! Together we have been able to increase the doula workforce across IL and well as provide doula services to many families ❤️

We are expanding access to maternal care, because every mom deserves the support she needs.

Our health plans now cover doulas, licensed certified professional midwives, lactation consultants, and maternal home visit providers. It's all part of our continued commitment to healthier moms and babies through our Special Beginnings® program.

Learn more about how we're improving maternal health across Illinois: http://spr.ly/6182B8bdUE

05/27/2026

Clinical Training Weekend is almost here and we’re looking for volunteers to help us make the magic happen!

Clinical Weekend is one of the most exciting parts of the GHI experience, and it takes an amazing team behind the scenes to help everything run smoothly.

If you’d like more information or to support the next generation of doulas and be part of an incredible weekend, please complete the volunteer sign-up form by Friday, May 29th using the link below.

https://zfrmz.com/T1GNbOqMTRxpLiI2d1Fg

Thank you for always showing up for the GHI family. Higher standards of care start here.

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

Different backgrounds. Different journeys. One room full of purpose.

Our Birth Worker Mixer was everything we hoped for and more. From reconnecting with familiar faces to welcoming new ones into the community, the room was filled with collaboration, laughter, wisdom, and genuine connection.

This work can be heavy, so moments like this matter. Community matters. Safe spaces for birth workers to pour into each other matter.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, connected, shared, and helped make the night so special. We’re building something powerful together.

Higher standards of care start here.