Est. 2001 • South Africa
Welcome to WOMBS
Women Offering Mothers Birth Support — training professional doulas and providing compassionate birth support to mothers across South Africa since 2001.
20+
Years of Service
500+
Trained Doulas
NPO
Registered
About Us
Women Offering Mothers Birth Support
WOMBS was founded in 2001 and has been training Doulas as well as providing a governing body to represent Professional Doulas in South Africa. We are committed to ensuring every mother has access to compassionate, professional birth support.
As a registered Non-Profit Organisation, many of our members volunteer their time and energy to support those who would not normally have access to doulas. Our members support local government hospitals, not only by volunteering to support women in labour but also raising funds for maternity and labour wards.
One Word, Many Voices
Breathe — in Every Language
South Africa's rich diversity of languages is at the heart of everything we do. Our doulas support mothers in their home language — because the most comforting words during labour are the ones you've heard since childhood.
This butterfly poster, shaped from the many ways to say breathe across our nation's languages, represents the WOMBS mission: compassionate, culturally sensitive birth support for every mother in South Africa.
Our Services
Become a Doula
Start your journey as a Doula with WOMBS. Train with South Africa's leading doula organisation and join our community dedicated to supporting mothers.
Ready to Begin Your Doula Journey?
Our comprehensive training program covers everything you need to become a professional doula. From prenatal support to labour techniques and postpartum care, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in mothers' lives.
For Parents
What is a Doula?
A doula provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth. Research shows that doula support can lead to shorter labours, fewer complications, and more positive birth experiences.
How a Doula Can Help You
Emotional Support
Continuous presence and encouragement throughout labour and delivery.
Physical Comfort
Massage, positioning suggestions, and comfort techniques to ease labour.
Information & Advocacy
Help understanding medical procedures and communicating with healthcare providers.
Partner Support
Guidance for partners on how to support the labouring mother effectively.
Postpartum Care
Support with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional adjustment after birth.
What People Say
"Having a doula by my side transformed my birth experience. I felt supported, informed, and empowered throughout the entire process."
Sarah M.
First-time Mother, Cape Town
"The WOMBS training program gave me the skills and confidence to support mothers. It's the most rewarding work I've ever done."
Thandi K.
Certified Doula, Johannesburg
"As a volunteer at our local hospital, I've seen how crucial doula support is for mothers who have no other support system."
Nomsa D.
Volunteer Doula, Durban
Our Community
WOMBS in Action
From training days to community exhibitions, our doulas are dedicated to championing professional birth support for families across South Africa.
Accreditation
Recognised & Accredited Training
WOMBS is proud to be accredited by leading international and national childbirth and doula organisations, ensuring our training and members meet the highest professional standards.
ICEA
International Childbirth Education Association
WOMBS is accredited by the ICEA, a globally recognised body that sets standards for childbirth education and birth support professionals worldwide.
SADAA
South African Doula Association and Administration
As an accredited member of SADAA, WOMBS upholds national standards for doula training, ethics, and professional practice across South Africa.
Accredited training that meets international and South African standards
Our Partners
Working Together for Mothers
We are proud to partner with leading organisations committed to improving maternal healthcare and birth outcomes in South Africa.
Johnson's Baby
Supporting maternal care initiatives
Kenvue Academy
Professional education partner
SA Department of Health
Government healthcare partnership
Local Hospitals Network
Hospital volunteer program
Interested in partnering with WOMBS?
Contact us to learn more →Contact Us
Get in Touch
For general enquiries, please use the form below or email us directly — whether you are looking for birth support, partnering with us, or wanting to know more about WOMBS.
Enquiring about doula training?
Training queries are best directed to the trainer in the province where you wish to train — they will have the course details and dates for your region. See the trainers in each province. Alternatively, contact Irene Bourquin on +27 82 897 0377.
Where We Train
Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with distance learning available.