With the Bridge to Health: Doula Support and Training Program, doulas provide critical emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, improving experiences and outcomes for families. Birth doulas assist with advocacy, comfort measures, and birth planning, while postpartum doulas guide families in newborn care, breastfeeding, infant sleep, and maternal recovery. Research shows doula care reduces cesareans, shortens labor, lowers intervention rates, decreases postpartum depression, and enhances satisfaction. These benefits are especially impactful in marginalized communities, where doulas help address health disparities and empower families through trust and informed decision-making.
Imani’s Village, Inc. is dedicated to advancing the health of Black birthing families in Oklahoma through culturally responsive, community-based support. This funding enables the organization to provide doula, childbirth education, and breastfeeding support to 40 families and train 20 new doulas who will serve at least 40 additional families.