The Doula’s Role in Educating Families About Cannabis

When someone hires a doula, they’re looking for more than just support during labor. They’re looking for a guide. A witness. A grounded, nonjudgmental presence who will help them navigate one of the most transformative times in their life.

And for some families, that includes navigating cannabis.

More and more parents are turning to cannabis during pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or parenting—not to “check out,” but to stay in. To cope with pain. To manage anxiety. To regulate sleep. To find small pockets of relief in bodies and minds that are stretched thin. But too often, they feel like they have to hide that choice.

Even from their birth team.

As a cannabis-informed doula, I believe that silence helps no one. Education does.

Why cannabis education matters in doula work

Whether a client is already using cannabis, curious about it, or scared to even ask, they deserve honest, clear information. Not shame. Not silence. Just support.

My job isn’t to tell anyone what to do. It’s to make space for informed decision-making. That means offering evidence-based resources, harm-reduction strategies, and a listening ear. It means knowing the science and holding the nuance. It means understanding that for some people, cannabis is a lifeline—and pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t make anyone safer.

What that looks like in practice

Sometimes it’s a quiet conversation in a prenatal visit, where a client finally says, “I’ve been using a little THC at night. Is that okay?” And instead of panicking or lecturing, I ask, “What’s it helping with?” We talk about their goals, concerns, and how to use cannabis in a way that supports—not hinders—their well-being.

Sometimes it’s postpartum, when the overwhelm hits and sleep feels impossible. We talk about how cannabis might support rest, healing, or mental health—and how to do that safely, especially if breastfeeding is part of the picture.

Sometimes it’s birth planning—looking at how cannabis fits into their labor environment, if at all. Aromatherapy, tinctures, topicals for pain relief—there’s a whole toolkit we can explore.

And sometimes, it’s bigger than cannabis. It’s about helping someone feel safe being honest. About modeling what nonjudgmental care actually looks like.

The importance of continuing education

Being cannabis-informed isn’t a one-and-done training. It’s an ongoing practice. I’ve taken a Level-One Cannabis Certification and I stay updated through continued learning, connecting with other professionals, and listening—really listening—to my clients’ lived experiences.

Because this plant is complex. The science is evolving. The laws are constantly shifting. And people’s relationships with cannabis are deeply personal. As a doula, I owe it to my clients to stay informed and to approach every conversation with humility and care.

Let’s break the silence

Doulas are in a unique position to create change. We’re often the ones in the room when the hard questions come up. We’re the ones people trust. That trust is sacred—and it comes with responsibility.

So whether you’re a parent, a fellow doula, or someone curious about this work: Know that it’s okay to talk about cannabis. You’re not alone. You deserve support that meets you where you are.

And if you’re in the Denver Metro area and looking for that kind of care, I’m here.

Let’s walk this path together.