SisterWeb has remained consistent in supporting doulas in achieving their professional goals, with average ratings generally hovering between 8 and 9 across recent months. The slight drop in April may reflect natural fluctuations in feedback or seasonal changes in supervision rhythms, but overall, the data points to sustained support and positive experiences. For many doulas, this professional support extends beyond doula work—SisterWeb’s model provides a foundation of clinical and relational skills that can lead to long-term careers in health and allied professions.

Support for doula professional development is built through strong relationships with mentors, supervisors, and external partners such as UCSF, Birthland, and the Tulsa Birth Initiative. These partnerships not only enhance the training doulas receive but also expose them to broader networks in the healthcare and maternal health space. SisterWeb’s community-based model makes it a natural bridge into the healthcare workforce—doulas often use the experience, supervision, and clinical exposure gained through SisterWeb to move into nursing, midwifery, social work, and public health roles.

One-on-one supervision, mentor relationships, and SMARTIE goal-setting workshops have been key components in helping doulas chart their paths forward. These structures provide doulas with clarity, accountability, and room to reflect on what they want from their careers. In addition, the extensive documentation, client engagement, and clinical coordination skills doulas build while working with SisterWeb prepare them for more formal roles in the healthcare system. This model mirrors other “pipeline” organizations across the country—such as CityHealthWorks and Health Leads—that use community-rooted workforce training to help individuals advance toward licensed or credentialed healthcare roles.

In 2024, SisterWeb plans to use group supervision to conduct more frequent check-ins on doulas’ individual goals, allowing for more shared reflection and accountability. The team also plans to repeat the SMARTIE goal-setting workshop and strengthen peer-to-peer accountability by creating goal partners among doulas to support follow-up. Looking ahead, SisterWeb may explore more formal workforce development partnerships to further connect its doulas to educational programs or certifications aligned with their long-term aspirations in healthcare and birthwork.