Community-Based Doula Program
Across the nation, HealthConnect One connects underserved women to women in their community who are specially trained to provide support during the critical months of pregnancy, birth and the early months of parenting. We focus on this sensitive period in a family's life, when intervention makes the most difference, creating long-term linkages to support networks. Our programs succeed because the doulas are of and from the same community as their clients and are able to bridge language and cultural barriers in order to meet health needs. This is the power of peer-to-peer support!
Five Essential Components
HC One's community-based doula programs:
- Employ women who are trusted members of the target community
- Extend and intensify the role of doula with families from early pregnancy through the first months postpartum
- Collaborate with community stakeholders/institutions and use a diverse team approach
- Facilitate experiential learning using popular education techniques and the HC One training curriculum
- Value the doulas' work with salary, supervision and support
Positive Outcomes
Community-based doula programs improve infant health, strengthen families, and establish supports to ensure ongoing family success, including:
- Improved prenatal care
- Fewer pre-term births
- Increased breastfeeding rates
- Increased birth weight
- Fewer medical interventions
- Fewer c-section deliveries
- More positive birth experiences
- Increased mother-child interaction
- Improved parenting skills
HealthConnect One convenes community stakeholders, trains doulas, and supports agencies in creating or expanding their community-based doula programs.
