About Us

DEI offers an integrative approach with evidence-based education that is inclusive of all beliefs, cultures, lifestyles, and philosophies.

Mission Statement

DEI strives to increase the quality of prenatal, birth and postpartum support by promoting excellent Doula Training and continuing education and mutual support to our students, which cultivates the growth of individual doulas, as well as the collective profession.

DEI strives to foster the relationships between doulas, health care providers and all members of the birth community.

Diversity & Inclusivity Statement

DEI is committed to embracing the presence and contributions of all persons regardless of age, culture, abilities, bodies, ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. We believe that prejudice, oppression, and discrimination are detrimental to our profession, perinatal care and our community.

At its core, DEI values inclusiveness and the creation of a safe and welcoming space for all our members and professionals, as well as those who we support.

Meet Our Trainer

Come and learn from the industry experts and receive your certification immediately after the training.

Shakila Marando

Shakila M.

Birth, Postpartum Doula Training & Infant Sleep Consultant Training Educator

Shakila Marando is the founder of Doula Educational Institute (DEI). She is a Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Evergreen Perinatal Breastfeeding Educator(CLE), New Parent Educator, Trained Infant Massage Educator through Infant Massage USA, and Infant Sleep Specialist. She has spent over 40,000 hours nurturing babies and caring for young children. Helping families flourish with their newborn is her passion, and her practice is undoubtedly recognized as one of the Bay Area's leading doula companies. Shakila has parenting educational videos that have been viewed by hundreds of thousands of families on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn platforms.

Interested in being the best doula you can be?

DEI strives to increase the quality of prenatal, birth and postpartum support by promoting excellent doula training and continuing education and mutual support to our students.

Doula Educational Institute

About DEI

Doula Educational Institute (DEI) offers an integrative approach with evidence-based doula education that is inclusive of all beliefs, cultures, lifestyles, and philosophies.