What is a DOULA?

 
A person who is trained to assist a woman during childbirth, and who supports the mother and family before and after the birth.Doulas are more than a birthing coach, they are an advocate for the mom. Doulas facilitate a safe, empowering birth experience, and provide the physicals, emotional, and educational support for a pregnant mom.

The IMHC CDS program is operated by the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC), and serves Elkhart, La Porte, and Cass counties.  This program has multiple partners who provide resources and a variety of educational programs. Participants will be provided with system navigation paired with birth and postpartum practical support, home visits, advocacy, and evidence-based information.

Community Doula Services is a program that was started in 2017 with the assistance of grant funding to help combat the dismal infant mortality rates we face here in Indiana.  Nearly one third of all pregnant women in Indiana do not receive prenatal care.  Although nearly one-third of pregnant women do not receive early prenatal care in Indiana, the sad fact is that more than 45% of black and Latino do not receive early care. That is why IMHC Doula Services is particularly interested in reaching and serving these populations.

Prenatal care is so important for not only the healthy development of babies, but also the health and well-being of the moms themselves.

Click here for IMHC Doula Website