Community-based doula programs dramatically increase breastfeeding rates and decrease c-section rates – by providing extended, intensive peer-to-peer support to families throughout pregnancy, during labor and birth, and into the early postpartum period. They are a mitigating factor for maternal mortality, and for many other risks to birthing families, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color.
The Community-Based Doula Program Model succeeds because doulas are of and from the same community as their clients and are able to bridge language and cultural barriers for optimal health and well-being. This is the only home visiting program model in the U.S. in which a home visitor is present at the birth.
Would you like to talk about how this program might look in your community, or how it might integrate into your organization’s existing programs?
National Recognition
The Community-Based Doula Program is featured in the 2018 Home Visiting Yearbook published by the National Home Visiting Resource Center, and was recognized as a Best Practice by the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) in 2016.
Five Essential Components of the Community Based Doula Model:
Watch a short video about Community-Based Doula programs
We’re bringing back this video from a few years back to illustrate the strong relationships and shared experiences that are the foundation of community-based doula programs.
The impacts of HealthConnect One and the community-based doula model are transformative. There is no greater work in our communities than building stronger families and advocating for the health and wellness of the youngest members.
Positive Outcomes
Community-Based Doula Programs improve infant health, strengthen families,
and establish supports to ensure ongoing family success.
Community-Based Doulas and Breastfeeding Duration
The breastfeeding rates of mothers served by a Community-Based Doula Program are astounding. Not only do mothers breastfeed, they also breastfeed for much longer than what is typically seen in similar populations. According to The Perinatal Revolution, breastfeeding duration among both Black and Hispanic mothers served by community-based doulas were significantly higher than PRAMS benchmarks.
Black or African American Mothers
- Community Based Doula Participants
- PRAMS
- Community Based Doula Participants
- PRAMS
Hispanic Mothers
- Community Based Doula Participants
- PRAMS
- Community Based Doula Participants
- PRAMS
Community-Based Doula Stories
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Report focuses on midwifery model
Similar to community-based doula programs and policies, midwifery-based models face a lack of understanding and support. Aiming to change that is a May study by Institute for Medicaid Innovation that reports “Hospitals that incorporate midwives have a 74% lower rate of labor induction and a 12% lower rate of cesarean deliveries.” The IMI is
May 20, 2020 -
Reports highlight community-based doulas’ role vs. maternal health crisis
One new report out of Washington, D.C. highlights that racism is the driving force of disparities in maternal mortality and doulas and midwives are key to the solution. Another from a Native women-led organization in New Mexico analyzes the living-wage pay scale of, and recommends a greater role for, community-based doulas. Taken together, both reports
April 30, 2020 -
New Webinar: April 30 – Supporting Birthing Families During COVID-19
Update: here’s a video of the webinar featuring Dalvery Blackwell presenting on African-American Breastfeeding Network’s birth work in Milwaukee during COVID-19. COVID-19 virus has been deemed a public health pandemic by the World Health Organization in January. During this time, birthing communities of color and African-American families need continuity of support, affirmation and
April 1, 2020 -
Doulas are not visitors; birthing moms need support
Recently, CNN reported that a “New York Hospital system is barring visitors, including partners, during childbirth due to coronavirus.” Tikvah Wadley, HC One’s Lead Doula, reflected on this recent news restricting doulas, partners and other loved ones in the delivery room. This is a stressful time for the world and not to mention pregnant moms.
March 26, 2020
Contact our National Program Director to discuss
how this model can work in your community:
404.798.7718
