As an applied anthropology master’s student in the School of Language, Culture, and Society, Minich’s multimodal ethnographic research examines how doula work can become more sustainable
Katie Minich
By Taylor Pedersen, CLA Student Writer - May 28, 2025
As a doula, trainer, and researcher, Katie Minich has significantly impacted her field, most notably through the launch of what is considered the most comprehensive state-approved doula training program in Oregon. But her work extends far beyond just training doulas; it’s about reshaping the systems that support them and ensuring sustainable, community-based care.
Minich’s journey into the world of doulas began when she had three children of her own at a young age (one birthed in hospital and two out of hospital with doulas and midwifery care). After a few years of working in Southern Oregon as a doula, and later a traditional health worker (THW), she began to feel that the existing doula training programs were falling short when newly-trained doulas would come to her for advice. Most doula training programs are weekend workshops, covering just the basics of birth support, but Minich and her co-founders Jess Daggett and Martha Rivera wanted something more. They wanted to create a training program that would be thorough, inclusive and prepared doulas for the full spectrum of challenges they might face in their practice.
“We didn’t just want doulas who knew how to support natural birth; we needed them to know how to support families navigating Medicaid, houselessness, postpartum depression, pregnancy loss and teen parenting, as well as provide a comprehensive history of birth and current issues around equitable birthing in Oregon.”
In developing the program, Minich and her team drew from their diverse expertise of over ten years individually. Daggett, with her background in childbirth education and experience raising six children, brought hands-on knowledge. Rivera, with her systems integration background, provided the logistical and organizational skills needed to create a scalable training structure. Minich herself brought her academic background in anthropology and sociology to the table, crafting a curriculum that emphasizes self-care, health systems analysis, and the importance of community-based care.
Their program is designed to eliminate many of the barriers that doulas, especially those working with marginalized populations, face. While training organizations often require separate certifications, hidden fees, and confusing processes, the Doula Training Center offers everything a doula needs in one transparent package. Graduates can immediately begin attending births and start their certification process to become a THW Doula in Oregon if they wish.
Minich’s work caught the attention of Dr. Melissa Cheyney, a well-respected midwife and researcher at Oregon State University. Minich first learned about Cheyney through documentaries and academic publications, and when they eventually connected, Minich was thrilled. Cheyney’s work on maternal mortality, home birth, and midwifery practice aligned with Minich’s own interests.
“I remember being a little star-struck when I first met her,” Minich shared with a laugh. “But Missy is incredibly down to earth. She’s a total badass, doing research that truly impacts women and families. I feel so lucky to be part of her research team at OSU.”
Minich is currently working under Cheyney’s guidance as part of the Uplift Lab, a group focused on improving birth outcomes and presenting her research alongside Cheyney at conferences. But it’s not just Cheyney’s academic rigor that Minich values. The support system in the lab is something she cherishes deeply.
“We’re more like a family. It’s rare to find that kind of collaborative and supportive environment in academia. It’s what makes me feel like I’m in the right place.”
Minich’s research has always focused on understanding the motivations and value of doulas. In one study, she explored why people become doulas and found that many come from backgrounds of trauma, which, while not surprising, shed light on why they feel driven to provide care for others. She also researched to understand what doulas perceive as their value in the healthcare system. While there’s a growing body of research on how doulas can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, Minich’s work looks deeper into the personal perspectives of doulas, asking them what they feel is their unique contribution.
Minich’s passion for maternal healthcare and doula work is clear, but she’s also thinking about the bigger picture: how to ensure the sustainability of the work doulas do, especially in underserved communities.
“There’s a lot that still needs to be done to create a sustainable model for doulas,” she said. “We need infrastructure—billing systems, better communication with healthcare providers, and policies that support doulas. But we also need to continue building a community-based approach where doulas can thrive, and where we’re not just serving clients but supporting one another as well.”
Her work and research have opened doors for doulas in Oregon and beyond, making the profession more accessible and sustainable. But Minich is quick to point out that this work is not hers alone. It’s a collective effort, one that involves collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to addressing the real challenges that exist in the healthcare system.
As Minich reflected on her path and the community she has helped build, she remained grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important field.
“I’m just really lucky to be part of this,” she said. “It’s been such a journey, but seeing the positive impact on families and on doulas makes it all worth it.”