Through doula training and certification, we are creating a workforce of doulas that provide culturally aligned, physical and emotional perinatal support that improves maternal and infant health across Palm Beach County.
Stronger Together Doula Support
Stronger Together Doula Support was launched as a pilot with our first cohort fully credentialed in the spring of 2023. It was designed to address maternal morbidity and mortality disparities, focusing on Black American women in neighborhoods with higher rates of poor birth outcomes.
Since then, the project has become established as a core agency program, training and matching both Black American and Haitian women. Creating this local workforce of doulas that provide culturally aligned, physical and emotional perinatal support has improved maternal and infant health in our community.
After much interest and our efforts to improve maternal health across the county, Stronger Together doula cohort applications are open to all women interested in becoming a doula!
Doula cohort applications are open now! Click here to learn more.
What is a doula?
A doula (doo-luh) is a community-based individual who provides continuous social, emotional and educational support to a mother during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
A doula can help prepare a birth plan, support physical comfort through massage or breathing exercises, advocate for your needs with medical staff, and provide information about actions taken during and after labor.
Why doula care?
According to March of Dimes, doula care can make labor and delivery safer for pregnant women and their babies. The benefits of doula care include:
Fewer c-sections (cesarean sections)
Reduced anxiety and depression for pregnant women
Less pain-relief medication administered during labor
Shorter time in labor
Fewer negative childbirth experiences
Better communication between pregnant women and their health care providers
Additionally, evidence suggests that the presence of doulas in a traditional healthcare setting allows them to serve as advocates for women of color.
Become a Doula
Training and certification opportunities are currently open for Palm Beach County residents. Doulas who are selected for a cohort will receive all training and materials at no cost with a stipend for two births during their training period. Cohort selection is limited.
Find a Doula
After completing the program, all Stronger Together graduates become independently contracted doulas and operate their own practices. Click below to meet the doulas and find the right one to support your pregnancy.
Questions about Stronger Together Doula Support?
Contact Latoya Rawls at lrawls@hmhbpbc.org.
This program is made possible with support from:
Community Care Plan, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida Blue Foundation, Jewish Women’s Foundation of Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Quantum Foundation, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, The Fledgling Fund, and Wilson Sheehan Foundation.