Hi, I’m Nikki Avila—Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Cofounder of Three Moons Doula Collective.
My work is rooted in the belief that birth is sacred, transformative, and deeply personal. As a Latina birth worker, I’ve spent the last 16 years walking alongside families during one of life’s most vulnerable and powerful seasons—offering care grounded in compassion, cultural wisdom, and advocacy.
Three Moons Doula Collective is not just a training program—it’s a movement. A space where doulas of color rise in their power, find their voice, and reclaim the knowledge that lives in their lineage. Our mission is to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and Latino families have access to skilled, culturally conscious birth support—because our communities deserve nothing less.
Birth work has always lived in my spirit. Even before I had the language for it, I was holding space for pregnant friends as a teenager—offering a supportive hand to hold and an open heart to listen. That calling was modeled by my mother, who was a constant presence of strength and care in our family and community. I learned early on that showing up for others is powerful—and that’s where my passion was born.
In 2018, I began formal training with Doula Trainings International and went on to earn certifications through Cornerstone Doula Training in birth and postpartum care. In 2021, I became a Certified Hypnobabies Instructor and Hypno-Doula, offering tools for calm, confident birthing experiences rooted in the power of the mind-body connection.
My continued education reflects a deep commitment to both evidence-based care and ancestral wisdom. In 2022, I began training with H.E.R.B.A.L. Doula. In 2023, I trained with La Mujer de Tierra in Ceremony of Birth, deepening my connection to traditional and ceremonial practices. In 2024, I trained in Spinning Babies® with Midwife Tema, expanding my knowledge of physiological birth and body-based support. In 2025, I continued my holistic path by training in Reiki for birth with Mitra, integrating energetic support into my care.
From belly binding to energy work, my approach is holistic and intentional—honoring the entire person, not just the process.
In 2019, I founded the Bakersfield Doula Circle to unite birth workers in sisterhood and solidarity through monthly gatherings where doulas come together to share, learn, and lead with collective wisdom.
I actively collaborate with community partners like Save a Mom, Save a Family, Inc., and since 2024, I have been part of the Maternal Healthcare Committee in Kern County, contributing to local efforts that aim to improve maternal health outcomes and expand access to culturally responsive care.
In May 2024, I traveled to Ecuador with Wombs of the World, where I had the honor of sitting under and learning from Parteras Mama Mila and Partera Martha, a powerful mother-daughter duo. Their teachings deepened my understanding of birth as sacred lineage, passed down through generations, and strengthened my commitment to honoring traditional wisdom in my work.
In February 2026, I continued this journey in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Mexico, where I sat with and witnessed the work of traditional midwives and healers—Doña Queta, Partera Paula, Partera Yuu, Curandera Norma, Partera Rosa of Valenzuela, and Partera Mariela. These experiences further shaped my understanding of birth as ceremony, community, and ancestral remembrance. I am deeply grateful for the work and mission of Wombs of the World and for Charlotte’s leadership in creating these transformative spaces.
In 2025, through Three Moons Doula Collective, we trained our first cohort of doulas—many of whom are now actively working with managed care plans, providing essential support to mothers throughout Kern County.
As of 2026, my colleagues and I continue to expand this work by training Native American Indigenous birth workers, strengthening culturally rooted care within our communities.
As a Certified VBAC Link Educator and Medi-Cal Doula, I’ve supported over 130 births, including more than 28 Medi-Cal births in 2024 alone. Each one is a powerful reminder of how informed, respectful care can transform outcomes and empower families.
In June 2026, I will be releasing The Wisdom of Waiting Birth Method™, a childbirth education course designed to guide families back to trust, knowledge, and the innate power of birth.
Through Three Moons Doula Collective, I’m committed to shifting the paradigm. This work is about more than teaching skills—it’s about nurturing leaders. Doulas who are deeply rooted in their culture, confident in their knowledge, and ready to create generational change.
I hope every person who trains with us feels seen, held, and empowered—and that every birthing person they support feels the same.
This is the legacy I’m building: one of advocacy, ancestral remembering, and powerful community care. We are creating a future where birth is safer, more just, and deeply sacred.
I am here to support you, IN THE WAITING,
Nikki Avila
