Sydney Pepper-Law 

Founder/Birth Worker/Doula Educator/Lactation Education Specialist

Hi! I’m Sydney, the founder of The Village Doula Collective, LLC. My journey into birth work began nearly a decade ago while working as a nanny. What started as childcare evolved into something deeper—I found myself supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I realized how much I loved being part of that transformative time.

That experience led me to become a doula, and since then, I’ve dedicated my career to providing compassionate, informed, and inclusive care. I am a certified full-spectrum doula, trained through the Somatic Arts & Sciences Institute, with additional education from organizations such as Cornerstone Doula Trainings, and Birth Advocacy Doula Training. I also received my Lactation Education Specialist training from Santiago Canyon College. I’ve had the honor of attending births and supporting families through postpartum recovery, and my passion for this work continues to grow.

With a bachelor’s degree in sociology, I understand that birth support is not just about physical care—it’s about addressing the systemic disparities that impact birthing people, particularly in BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. My mission is to make doula care accessible and equitable, ensuring that every family—regardless of income, background, or identity—has the support they need.

At The Village Doula Collective, we believe in the power of community. Whether through direct support, education, or advocacy, we’re here to uplift birthing people and the doulas who serve them.

Why I Created The Village Doula Certification Course

As a doula, I quickly realized that my community lacked the support it truly needed—specifically, there were too few doulas, even fewer BIPOC doulas, and almost none who were committed to an accessible care model through accepting insurance. I knew that families in my area deserved better.

Beyond supporting birthing people, I believe deeply in the power of community. We thrive when we feel supported, and that includes doulas, too. I wanted to create a collective of doulas who work well together, share aligned values, and are dedicated to serving our community in a way that is both culturally competent and financially accessible.

While I’ve been fortunate to connect with some incredible doulas whose training aligned with my vision, I also encountered many who lacked the well-rounded, self-aware, culturally competent approach I believe is essential. That’s when I had a realization—if I wanted to work alongside doulas who shared my standards of care, why not train them myself?

In developing this course, I also reflected on my own doula training experiences and found that many existing programs either skipped over or barely touched on critical topics that I consider essential. Issues like navigating racism within healthcare, implicit bias, supporting physically disabled birthing people, comprehensive C-section support, trauma-informed care, and the role socioeconomic status plays in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum were often missing from the conversation. These are not just side topics—they are fundamental to providing equitable, informed, and effective doula support.

This course is my way of filling those gaps, ensuring that doulas receive the training they need to serve a diverse range of clients with confidence, competence, and care.

This course was born from a desire to cultivate a strong, skilled, and compassionate doula community—one that not only uplifts birthing people but also supports doulas in their own professional growth. It’s more than just training; it’s about creating a movement of doulas who are prepared, connected, and ready to make real change.

Fun facts about me-

  • I was a traveling nanny/newborn care specialist for 8 years.

  • I am former foster youth.

  • My previous other occupations have included: Market Research Interviewer for NBCUniversal Studios, ABA therapist in schools in South Central Los Angeles, Photographer, Case Worker, Administrative Coordinator, and Marketing Coordinator. I am currently still a Grant Writer.

  • I am a Gemini (which might explain the previous bullet point).

  • I am a mother to a toddler and twins, and I have a wonderful partner!