Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Coleman
Hi Allison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From the time I was young, I knew I wanted to work with children and families. My last job before becoming a parent was as a counselor in a residential treatment center. It was fulfilling, challenging, and deeply meaningful work. But when I had my first child, I made the decision to step away from that world and focus on being a “just a mom.”
Parenthood, however, came with its own challenges. After my first baby was born, I experienced severe postpartum depression—something that went undiagnosed for a long time. I loved my child, but I was overwhelmed, frustrated, and constantly stressed. And because I was in the thick of it, I couldn’t recognize what was happening. I just knew that life felt unbearably hard. Thankfully, I eventually found support, and with that and through therapy and medication, life improved. While I didn’t struggle with postpartum depression after my next three children, I never forgot how isolating and difficult that time had been. I understood firsthand how crucial it is for new parents to have support—not just for their babies, but for themselves, so they don’t lose sight of who they are.
I became a single mother when my youngest child was 8 months old. I had to go back to work to support the family. I did this through birth work. Along the way, I started supporting women during birth, accompanying them to the hospital as a birth doula. Later, I began training with a midwife. However, it was in postpartum care that I truly found my calling. Supporting families as they transitioned into parenthood felt like the work I was meant to do. I loved witnessing parents grow in confidence, guiding them as they found their footing and offering a steady presence so they could navigate those early days with reassurance. It fed my soul. It still does!
I have gone through many trainings, including ToLabor, Maternitywise, Childbirth International, the Texas Health Department, Spinning Babies, and parent coaching programs, on my way to where I am now. Recently, I have added sleep coaching to the mix.
In 2010, I founded Austin Baby Guru, a postpartum doula agency. The demand for support was so great that I soon found myself hiring other postpartum doulas to help serve my clients. But even though I was bringing on talented doulas—many of whom had trained with reputable organizations—I kept finding myself retraining them. I wanted them to approach families with an open heart and an evidence-based, judgment-free perspective. My goal wasn’t for doulas to “save” families from the postpartum experience, but rather to hold space for them, helping parents discover their own way to how they wanted to parent, with the support and information they needed to do so.
As my agency grew, a few of the doulas who had worked with me eventually decided to start their own businesses. They asked if I would train new doulas to work with them. That was the beginning of ABG Doula Training. At first, I taught locally in Austin, using my experience and knowledge to create a curriculum that not only trained doulas in client care but also in building a sustainable business. I wanted to help others establish long-term careers in postpartum work because the need for great doulas was immense—and yet, burnout rates in the field are high. Too many doulas leave the profession within three to five years. I don’t want that for them.
One of the pillars of my training is business education by way of boundaries. I firmly believe that you can be an incredible doula, but if no one knows who you are, you can’t sustain your practice. If you’re unable to earn a living while still being present for your own family, it becomes difficult to continue. I often emphasize the importance of boundaries—something that can be especially challenging in a heart-centered profession like doula work. Teaching doulas how to balance their passion and drive to support others with their personal well-being is crucial to their longevity in this field.
When the pandemic hit, I pivoted my training program online, allowing me to reach doulas beyond Austin and allowing me to direct the certification program from anywhere in the world. Today, ABG Doula Training is international, offering both fully online and hybrid certification options. I even offer a cross-training option for those students who have trained with other organizations but feel that their skill set is still lacking. Recently, I have received inquiries from potential doula students in New Zealand and Vietnam! It’s been incredible to see the program grow, and it’s truly a dream to know that my work is shaping the next generation of postpartum doulas worldwide.
In 2024, I relocated to North Carolina, but I still run Austin Baby Guru while also working as a birth and postpartum doula in the Asheville area.
My mission is simple: I want to see more Postpartum Doulas thrive in this career. The more doulas doing great work, the more families receive the support they deserve AND the more doula work there is to be had! And that, to me, is how we create lasting change in the postpartum doula world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a single mom raising four kids, finding enough postpartum work was a real challenge in the beginning. It pushed me to dive deep into learning—not just about running a heart-centered business but also about setting healthy boundaries to make it sustainable. Through those lessons, I didn’t just survive—I thrived.
Building a thriving doula certification program has been a labor of love, something that felt deeply aligned with my purpose. But even with that passion, marketing in a field with well-established leaders comes with its own challenges. I pour my energy into reaching the students who are the best fit for our program because I know success isn’t just about offering solid training—it’s about helping future doulas choose the right path to build lasting, fulfilling careers. And that’s exactly what we do here
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
ABG Doula Training is a growing but intentionally smaller and well-respected certification program with a comprehensive focus on postpartum doula work. From the start, I made the decision to specialize solely in postpartum care because I saw too many doulas coming from all-inclusive trainings feeling unprepared to step into supporting families during this critical time. Postpartum care requires its own depth of knowledge, and I wanted to create a program that gave it the focus it deserves—one that ensures doulas feel confident, skilled, and ready to make a meaningful impact.
What sets ABG apart is our dual focus: not only do we train doulas to provide exceptional, evidence-based postpartum support, but we also teach them how to build sustainable careers. We emphasize the importance of setting healthy boundaries, charging rates that truly support their financial well-being, aligning with clients who feel like a great fit, and structuring their schedules in a way that allows them to thrive both personally and professionally. A sustainable doula is one who has time for rest, connection, and self-care—because you can’t pour from an empty cup. We also provide business training, helping doulas learn how to attract and retain clients, market their services effectively, and run their businesses in a way that keeps them going not just for a year or two, but for the long term. Our goal isn’t just to train great doulas—it’s to support doulas in building fulfilling, lasting careers.
ABG Doula Training is also accepted by supplemental benefit programs such as Carrot and Maven, making your business as a doula more accessible for those with employer-backed benefits. We offer a lifetime certification, ensuring that doulas do not have to worry about recertification fees or expirations. For those who have previously trained with another organization—whether they completed the program or not—we offer cross-training discounts to help bridge the gaps in their education. Our program is continuously evolving, with new modules and updated resources added regularly. Once you enroll in ABG Doula Training, you have lifetime access to our training portal, meaning you can always revisit materials and benefit from new additions. This is one of the many ways we support continuing education for postpartum doulas, ensuring they stay informed and equipped with the latest best practices in the field.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the most overwhelming aspects of starting as a postpartum doula is the structure of the work—you often have to jump in without a clear roadmap. That’s where ABG Doula Training makes a difference. Our program is designed to provide doulas with a solid framework so they can feel prepared and confident as they begin supporting families.
ABG Doula Training offers extensive support to help new doulas navigate their careers. We have a private group where students and graduates actively support each other—sharing insights, answering questions, and discussing real-world scenarios. I remain accessible to our students, providing guidance and reassurance as they gain experience. This level of support and mentorship is one of the things that truly sets ABG apart.
Networking is also a crucial part of a doula’s success, and we emphasize this in our training. Because we support families during such a personal and transformative time, referrals from trusted professionals carry immense value. When an IBCLC recommends a postpartum doula, or a midwife mentions the importance of postpartum support, families are much more likely to seek out care. At ABG, we teach doulas how to cultivate these relationships within their local birth community, ensuring they build a strong referral network to sustain their business long-term.
Pricing:
- $725 is the full cost of certification
- a 6 month payment plan option
- a 10% discount for those who are cross-training
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ABGdoulaTraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abg_pp_doula_training/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABGDoulaCertification
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abgdoula/
