You are going to be an amazing birth worker. We are here to support you and cheer you on.

Hey, Y’all. Let’s get to know each other a little.

At BEST, we believe that great birth support starts with great training—and we’re here to make that happen. We offer fun, interactive, and evidence-based training for birth and postpartum doulas, childbirth educators, and placenta specialists.

We’re growing fast and are recognized across all 50 states and internationally, but what really sets us apart is our heart. We focus on the powerful place where intuition meets evidence, and we’re passionate about making birth better for everyone by supporting a more diverse and inclusive birth world.

BEST was founded by Amanda Devereux and Maria Pokluda, two very different birth workers from different places who kinda met on a blind date - and had been told they probably wouldn’t get along. Spoiler, we do get along and have each been birth workers for more than two decades. Read a little more about us below and we can’t wait to meet you.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your skills, we’re here to help you thrive.

Ready to start your journey in birth work? Join the BEST community today—your future clients are waiting!

Hi! I’m Amanda—mother of three, nurse, IBCLC, doula, childbirth educator, owner of a thriving doula agency, and total birth nerd (in the best way). I am here to help grow a new generation of confident, compassionate, and truly connected birth workers.

Weird facts about me? I’m on a mission to try local ice cream everywhere I go (all the yummy local flavors, please!), I am a biologist who’s tackled my spider fears one TikTok at a time, and baking feeds my soul. I’m obsessed with floral scents and flavors, and if you ask me, working with partners in the birth space is the best—they truly have no idea what they’re in for (and that’s part of the magic).

Yah, I’ve got doula skills and am a birth expert, but what do I really do? I believe birth is a convergence the physiology, energy, spirit, psyche—and the deep wisdom of the birthing person and baby. My job? To honor and hold space for it, and support it with everything I’ve got.

I’m also a three-time postpartum survivor, and that experience has lit a fire in me to make postpartum care stronger, smarter, and more supported for every family. Training new doulas and birth workers is one of the greatest honors of my life. Watching our community grow gives me so much hope for the future of birth and for the world.

If you’re ready to step into birth work with heart, purpose, and serious skills—welcome. You’re in the right place. Let’s hang.

Hi, I’m Maria – Doula, Placenta Expert, Community Builder, mother of four and All-Around Birth Advocate

Like many Doulas, I entered my birth work after my own experiences with infertility and birth where I discovered how much more support and information we need. I’m a longtime doula, agency owner, and trainer with a fierce belief in informed consent and everyone’s right to make their own choices in birth. I’m passionate about helping people feel empowered, respected, and supported—because birth should always belong to the birthing person.

I especially love supporting VBACs, think placentas are absolutely the coolest, and believe that building strong doulas means building strong communities. That’s why I’m here—not just to teach, but to walk alongside you as you grow into the birth worker you’re meant to be.

When I’m not training doulas, thinking about placentas, or running my agency, you’ll probably find me playing pickleball, racking up steps in a competitive step-counting challenge, or sipping a diet coke by the pool.

My approach is real, grounded, and heart-led. I believe birth is powerful, people are wise, and support should always come with a dose of humor and a whole lot of heart.

If you’re ready to dive into this work and be part of something bigger, I’d be honored to be part of your journey.