The Guilford County Division of Public Health’s Every Baby Guilford program launched a community-based doula program through funding from NC Department of Health and Human Services, Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities and Ready for School, Ready for Life.
The doula program comprises a county-wide, community-based doula model for those who are pregnant in Guilford County. Five contractual doulas will provide prenatal care, childbirth education, birthing and postpartum care for 60 birthing families. Three back-up doulas will support the contractual doulas.
“We aim to give Guilford County residents the best support and care throughout pregnancy,” said Angelica Mickel, Every Baby Guilford Doula Coordinator. “Growing a community-based doula workforce through this program will improve maternal health and equity for those who need it the most.”
Doulas are trained professionals providing physical, emotional and informational support to the expecting parents before, during and immediately after childbirth, including continuous labor support. The doula advocates for mother and baby safety and addresses concerns that arise through the prenatal and postnatal periods.
Evidence supports that parents who have a doula experience less medical complicated births, a decrease in maternal depression and higher rates in initiating breastfeeding. Expecting parents are less likely for cesarean birth or interventions when the doula is present.
The goals for the Guilford County Division of Public Health doula program are to improve positive birth experiences, decrease infant mortality rates and advocate for eliminating racial disparities. Doula services will be offered through referrals from home visiting programs, Community Navigators at OB/GYN offices and through the Cone Health Center for Women’s Healthcare practices in Guilford County. A Doula Design Team consisting of Doula experts representing Cone Health, the YWCA of Greensboro, the YWCA of High Point and Ready for School, Ready for Life have been the driving force for program development through a community engaged process.
For more information, visit Every Baby Guilford or contact Doula Coordinator Angelica Mickel at amickel@guilfordcountync.gov or 336-641-4706.
