Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Research shows they can lower cesarean rates, reduce preterm births, decrease postpartum depression, and increase breastfeeding and postpartum visit attendance. Yet only 6% of birthing people currently have access to these services—especially low-income, Medicaid-insured, and historically underserved communities.
To address these gaps, we’re excited to share our new resource, Implementing Community-Based Doula Training Programs: An Action Guide for Strengthening Workforce Integration and Sustainable Maternal Health Models. Developed through a collaborative process that blends established frameworks, subject matter expertise, and insights from participating health centers, this guide offers step-by-step guidance on planning, implementing, and sustaining doula training programs and related workforce roles.
Inside, you’ll find practical tools, guidance on workforce, financial, and operational considerations, and case studies from health centers across the country, including:
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One Health Recovery Doula Program (MT): Integrating peer recovery, doula care, and community health to support rural and tribal families.
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Jericho Road Community Health Center (NY): Evolving a community-rooted doula and CHW model to meet the needs of refugee and immigrant populations.
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Great Lakes Bay Health Centers (MI): Implementing innovative maternal health workforce strategies in multifaceted community settings.
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Michigan Primary Care Association (MI): Partnering with state organizations to support local doula initiatives.
Access the guide to bring these lessons, tools, and strategies to your organization and strengthen maternal health programs.
