DeAnna the Doula Trainer

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.

07/25/2025

We’re still accepting a few more applications for Madison!
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a birth doula — now is the time.

In partnership with Micaela Berry Smith and the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, I’m offering a FREE hybrid Birth Doula Training + Childbirth Education course this fall.

Virtual Childbirth Education: August 30
In-person Doula Training in Madison: September 5–7
Application required!

This training is more than just a course — it’s a space for learning, healing, and stepping deeper into this work we’re called to do.

Apply now or tag someone who needs to see this: https://www.deannathetrainer.com/service-page/madison-free-birth-doula-training

07/17/2025

I’ve been thinking deeply about the future of maternal health care in this country—and how recent laws and policies are reshaping the support birthing people receive.

In my latest blog, I’m sharing my personal thoughts on what these changes mean for families, birth workers, and the communities we love. As a doula trainer, midwife-in-training, and maternal health advocate, this fight is close to my heart.

Read the full blog on my website and join me in staying informed and ready to advocate for the care we all deserve.

https://www.deannathetrainer.com/post/fight-for-reproductive-justice

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

07/03/2025

Looking back at last weekend’s “I’m For Planned Parenthood: Actions for Access” gathering with mixed emotions today.

These photos are full of the hope, unity, and determination we felt as we stood together for reproductive justice. And while the bill passed today is a setback, it doesn’t erase the power of our voices or the importance of our fight.

We’re not giving up. We’ll keep showing up—for our communities, for healthcare access, and for the right to make decisions about our own bodies.

Onward, together.

06/26/2025

Access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care in Wisconsin is under serious threat. A proposed budget bill could cut Medicaid, putting essential services at risk for thousands of families across our state.

This weekend, I’ll be standing alongside other advocates and organizations to speak up and speak out. When we say health care is a human right, we mean all care—for every body. Our communities deserve protection, dignity, and access.

We can’t afford to stay silent. Let’s make sure our voices are heard.

06/25/2025

Milwaukee, it’s time to march.

Join us at Red Arrow Park on Saturday, June 28, for I Fight for Planned Parenthood: Actions for Access—a full day of action from 10 AM to 1 PM.

The event features a Pride Clothing Swap, poster-making, story collection, a march to Senator Ron Johnson’s office, Drag Queen Story Time, and more.

This is a day to show up, speak out, and fight back.
RSVP here: https://act.ppawi.org/3HJCgyT

06/13/2025

Thinking about becoming a doula?
This August, I’m offering a fully virtual Birth Doula Training—including our foundational Childbirth Education course—completely free. Yes, free!
This training will equip you with the tools, support, and confidence to walk alongside birthing families with care and purpose.

We only have 5 spots available, so don’t wait—visit the website to learn more and register today.