The Village Doula

Hello, my name is Sierra Sanchez. I am a descendant of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Indians and a Mexican-American. I have 3 years of experience under my belt as a doula and lactation counselor. I have supported hospital, birth center, and home births. I am confident in my skills and services and am devoted to continued development.

I have really started focusing on bringing more culture into my work and connecting with my communities. I attended the first annual Returning from the Stars conference hosted by the Center for Indigenous Midwifery in 2025 and completed two Indigenous centered doula trainings in Spring of 2026.

I also recently began a part time position aiding Spokane Tribal Network. In this role, I support Indigenous doulas, such as myself, by providing Medicaid billing support and mentorship. I look forward to future opportunities to help progress the work we are doing within the Indigenous Birth Justice movement.

Training

I have completed the SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Training as well as an Indigenous Lactation Counselor Training in May of 2023. I believe in, and have been trained in, culturally competent care. My training is very inclusive from conception to postpartum (“full circle”) and allows me to serve clients with confidence.

In 2023 I completed an L & I approved CPR training. I have to say a special thanks to the Shades of Motherhood Network for providing CPR training free of charge to our community. The training was open to doulas, parents, and other community members who wished to attend. I am so grateful for events such as this, which allow me to better myself and my services without raising prices for my clients.

Later in 2023 I completed my bloodborne pathogen training and as of February, 2024 I completed the Coeur d’Alene Holistic Doula Training. I also completed the Center for Indigenous Midwifery’s doula training in February 2026 and the Indigenous Full Spectrum Birth Helper Training facilitated by Spokane Tribal Network and Həłmxiłp. I feel that it is important to pull from various sources when continuing education. Each source holds unique knowledge that you may not have found elsewhere. I was very pleased with the new wisdom and insight I was able gain from trainings this year. I am so thankful for the amazing birth workers in our area.

In March of 2026 I was able to attend the CFIM’s Midwifery Assistant Training which showed me some key differences in the roles of doulas and birth assistants. I was able to practice basic skills and gain hands-0n experience in a safe environment. It was a wonderful experience that helped me understand where my comfort lies within birth work. I am proud to say that I am working toward birth assisting and plan to walk the path of a midwife/community healer in the coming years.