Maternal Interventions & Lifestyle Knowledge

We train women to care for the whole mother.

We created the CMD because mothers deserve care that does not separate their immediate postpartum needs from their long-term health — and doulas trained to see the complete picture.

Our mission

A trained doula in every community.

M.I.L.K. stands for Maternal Interventions & Lifestyle Knowledge. Our mission is to reduce the maternal death rate in the United States and worldwide by sending trained doulas into their communities as advocates.

Students learn to create nutritional and lifestyle plans, provide attentive mother and newborn care, and offer spiritual, emotional, and physical support while staying within a clear non-medical scope.

LaVerne Lavi Reid, founder of MILK Doula Training Academy

LaVerne "Lavi" Reid

Lead Instructor · Postpartum Doula

Certified holistic health coach, public health professional, health educator, and postpartum doula.

Meet the founder

A vision rooted in maternal care.

LaVerne "Lavi" Reid founded MILK to prepare women with the practical knowledge, confidence, and compassionate presence needed to support mothers well. That vision continues through every class, mentorship relationship, and community connection.

The founding team of MILK

The founding team

Built by women committed to changing how mothers are seen, supported, and cared for.

The learning community

Training is knowledge shared in community.

Students learn together through conversation, demonstration, mentorship, and a shared commitment to maternal wellness.

A MILK doula training cohort learning together

Faculty

Meet the training team.

A multidisciplinary roster bringing lived experience, professional knowledge, and attentive instruction to the classroom.

Fiona M. Lindo, MD, MPH, MILK instructor

Fiona M. Lindo, MD, MPH

OB/GYN · FACOG, FACS, URPS, DipABLM

Dr. Lindo is an OB/GYN who is also board certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She brings her lifestyle medicine expertise to our training.

Dr. Sharifa Glass, MILK instructor

Dr. Sharifa Glass

Pediatrician · MD, IBCLC

Dr. Glass is a board-certified, practicing concierge pediatrician and IBCLC. She brings her knowledge to our newborn care specialist training.

G. Harvey, NCS, MILK instructor

Hands-on instruction

G. Harvey, NCS

A postpartum doula and newborn care specialist with a medical background, G. Harvey brings over 30 years of experience to our training.

Our standard of care

Professional, evidence-informed, and always centered on the mother.

01

Doulas do not diagnose, treat, or complete clinical tasks.

02

Care follows the mother's medical recommendations, needs, and preferences.

03

Clients receive evidence-based education, practical guidance, and professional referrals.

04

Privacy, continuing education, professionalism, and excellence guide every relationship.