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Changing the conversation on birth equity: issue brief 2 is on medicalization of birth
Community-Based Doulas and the Medicalization of Birth is the second of five policy briefs designed to call attention to the most pressing challenges inhibiting broad adoption of community-based doula services that contribute to birth equity. In October 2019 we released our first report, Doula Legislation-Creating Policy for Equitable Doula Access. At almost the same time
February 21, 2020 -
Q and A: SisterWeb Birth Doula Workshop in January
In January, Health Connect One trainers Brenda Reyes and Tikvah Wadley coached a group of doulas at SisterWeb in San Francisco. We had a conversation with SisterWeb’s Marna Armstead and Alli Cuentos afterward to learn more about the experience from the local organization’s perspective. Here are some brief highlights from the conversation: Q. Can
February 19, 2020 -
Women Experiencing Incarceration Learn Community-Based Doula Skills
by Diana Pando Every year, millions of women are experiencing being incarcerated. Of them, “80% are mothers and 150,000 of these women are pregnant when admitted,” according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Women in prison are supporting their pregnant peers – but may lack tools and training that would help them in that effort.
February 14, 2020 -
Honoring Black Birth Workers of the Past
by Olivia Dockery Black History Month is the time when we honor, reflect and learn about elders who have impacted Black culture and how their legacy is continued. This Black History Month, HealthConnect One wants to honor the legacies of Black birth workers who have played critical roles in improving the health outcomes of Black
February 6, 2020
Why Support HealthConnect One?
HealthConnect One is the only organization with a community-based doula program model that is replicated across the nation. To date, more than 6,000 low-income families have benefitted from services provided by community-based doulas, through replication programs nationwide.
For 30 years, HealthConnect One has focused on collaborative work with grassroots maternal and child health and social service providers. Here are some of the community-based programs we have partnered with, mentored, consulted with and learned from along the way.
Traditional power dynamics associated with learning are not present and/or openly discussed. There was an ability to be open and build trust and exchange–not just words; histories, hopes, frustrations, and, positive energy.
HealthConnect One workshop participant
When we speak to mothers, they tell us they are more comfortable seeing community health workers than their ob-gyns. The reason is simple: community health workers are more accessible because they belong to the community in which they work; their experience mirrors that of the mothers they are supporting.
Toni Hill and Tikvah Wadley
I learned a lot about breastfeeding in a different way than I’m used to.