DeAnna the Doula Trainer

10/11/2025

10/10/2025

When I first stepped into birthwork, I only knew one other woman of color doing this work in Southeastern Wisconsin. The need for doulas who looked like the families we served was overwhelming and that’s where my journey began.

I became a doula to change that. To make sure every mother, every family, had someone in their corner. That journey led me to train with the Wisconsin Guild of Midwives, become a certified doula trainer, and eventually help build the Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective, a village committed to doing this work together.

Because every mom deserves a doula.

10/09/2025

Schedule Quality, affordable, and confidential health care. Make an appointment online or call 1-800-230-PLAN to find the health center nearest you.

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

Take five minutes for yourself — it could save your life.

Performing a self-breast exam monthly helps you know what’s normal for your body and catch changes early. Check for lumps, dimpling, discharge, or swelling, and if anything feels off, reach out to your healthcare provider.

🩷 Learn more about how to do a proper self-breast exam: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html

09/04/2025

Honored to celebrate 90 years of Planned Parenthood and join the conversation as a guest speaker! 🧡🤎

It was a privilege to stand alongside advocates and community leaders, sharing insights on maternal health, reproductive justice, and the work we’re doing at the Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective to support Black and Brown families across the state.

Together, we continue to push for equity, access, and care for all families.

08/28/2025

Hi, I’m DeAnna Tharpe 🧡
I’m a certified birth doula trainer, foundations coach, and advocate with over a decade in birth work. My journey started back in 2010 as a Baby Planner, and since then I’ve earned certifications as a Child Safety Educator, Birth Doula, and Perinatal Bereavement Specialist.

I’m also the Director of the Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective, where I mentor and support doulas and families across the state. Recently, our collective partnered with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin to continue advancing reproductive justice and maternal health equity. Along the way, I’ve worked with organizations like the March of Dimes and served on statewide Maternal Child Health Action Teams and the Fetal Infant Mortality Review Committee.

Right now, I’m training to become a midwife, taking my commitment to improving Black maternal and infant health to the next level.

If you’re new here — welcome! Stay tuned for resources, updates, and conversations around maternal health. And if you’d like to connect with me for speaking engagements or podcast features, head to www.deannathetrainer.com

08/15/2025

I’m DeAnna Tharpe — also known as DeAnna the Doula Trainer.

I wear many hats in this work:
• As a doula trainer, I prepare birth workers with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to serve families well.
• As a maternal health advocate, I fight for better care, equity, and outcomes for all birthing people.
• As a midwife in training, I’m expanding my skills to support families through every stage of pregnancy and birth.
• And as a speaker, I share my story and expertise to spark conversations and inspire change.

No matter the role, my mission stays the same — to empower birth workers and transform maternal health in our communities.

07/30/2025

Our last doula training was powerful — and we’re just getting started.

Madison, there’s still room for you. Not in Madison? Subscribe and be the first to know when new classes are announced.

07/29/2025

As a doula, I’m constantly asked, “What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?”
I love having the chance to answer questions like this — not just to clear up confusion, but to advocate for better birth experiences in our communities.

I’m passionate about helping Black and Brown families feel seen, supported, and informed. Whether I’m supporting a client or speaking to a room full of future doulas, I do this work with purpose.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a doula, there’s still room in our Madison training. We need more of us in this space — come join us.

07/14/2025

We are still accepting applications for our Madison Birth Doula Training with The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness! Apply online at

Welcome to DeAnna the Doula Trainer with DeAnna Tharpe. Discover expert doula training programs, empowering expectant mothers and future doulas. Join our community, read inspiring birth stories, and access essential resources for doulas and parents. Start your journey in birth support with DeAnna to...

07/07/2025

Big news, Madison! I’m partnering with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness to bring you an incredible opportunity this fall.

My Birth Doula Training with Childbirth Education is back—and this time, it’s happening in your city. We’re kicking things off with a virtual CBE session on August 30th, followed by in-person training September 5th-7th at The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness.

If you’ve ever felt called to support families through pregnancy and birth, this is your chance to gain the skills, confidence, and community you need to step into this powerful work.

And the best part? This training is completely free for those selected. Only 10 spots are available, so don’t wait. Apply now and let’s transform birthwork together.

https://www.deannathetrainer.com/service-page/madison-free-birth-doula-training