With the continuing shortage of maternal health care providers, doulas are filling in the gaps to respectfully support families in navigating systems of care before, during, and after childbirth. The importance of offsetting the emotional burden from birth workers is only growing as we rely on their expertise and experience to improve maternal health outcomes. As doulas are known for their steadfast support throughout the birthing process, we are reminded in part two of BirthWork’s episode on doulas to prioritize the wellbeing of doulas and other members of the perinatal workforce. Your AMCHP cohost explores what it means to provide doula care to support different populations in and the fluidity in the role of a doula with Ankita Patel of REACHUP, Inc., a community-based organization in Tampa, FL. Tune in to this episode to garner a new take on how “it takes a village” to bring life into the world. And if you haven’t heard what makes a doula, listen to the part 1 of this episode where we talk to Marna Armstead from San Francisco.

Guest Speaker:

• Ankita Patel, Doula Program Manager at REACHUP, Inc. in Tampa, Florida

Episode Host:

• Giannina Ong, Program Manager for Reproductive and Maternal Health at AMCHP

Resources:

• Want to learn more about REACHUP, Inc? Check out on their website.
• Where can I find a doula? Every Mother Counts
• Consider using our discussion guide to facilitate conversations and reflection.

• Learn more about the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) at our website.