CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DOULA MONTH - MAY 2025

International Doula Month is recognized each May as a time to uplift the critical contributions of doulas in supporting pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. At BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC), we recognize the unique role Black doulas play in advancing health equity, honoring cultural traditions, and improving outcomes for Black mothers and babies. This month, we celebrate their work and share how BWPC is expanding access to community-centered maternal healthcare in Fresno and beyond. 

What is a Doula? 

A doula is a trained, non-clinical birth professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas help guide families through their birth journey, offering comfort and care, while ensuring that their voices are heard during medical decision-making. 

A Short History of Black Doulas

Untitled (Keeping in Touch) Credit: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Robert Galbraith

Black doulas carry on a powerful legacy of community-based care rooted in ancestral traditions. Historically, they filled critical gaps when Black families were excluded from equitable healthcare. Today, Black doulas continue this work by providing culturally affirming, personalized support in a system still shaped by structural racism. As Black women continue to face higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, doula care remains essential to ensuring respectful, patient-centered experiences and healthier outcomes. 

Read more about historical Black doulas and midwives: 

• https://www.blackwpc.org/healing-legacies-honoring-the-history-of-black-midwives  

• https://www.blackwpc.org/marycoley  

The Benefits of Doula Care 

Doulas offer numerous benefits that can lead to healthier, more positive birth experiences. Research supports that having a doula can help:  

• Lower rates of unnecessary C-sections 

• Deliver healthier babies 

• Reduce the risk of postpartum depression 

• Increase the likelihood of receiving important postpartum care 

• Reduce the changes of delivering preterm 

  
  

These outcomes are especially crucial for Black families, who disproportionately experience poor maternal and infant health outcomes. Learn more about the benefits of doula care here 

• Learn about the doula scope of practice here 

Building Infrastructure and Expanding Care  

At BWPC we believe doulas are part of the strategic solution to the maternal and infant health crisis. That’s why we are investing in programs that strengthen the infrastructure of doula care, expand culturally centered pregnancy support, and build collaborative partnerships with healthcare providers. These efforts work together to ensure Black families in Fresno and beyond receive the respectful, affirming care they deserve.

Here are some of the ways we are building access to doula care and other essential supports:  

BLACK Doula Network 

BWPC is building the BLACK Doula Network (BDN) to increase access to community-based doula care for Black women in Fresno and the Central Valley. The program offers a culturally competent, comprehensive 125-hour doula training and is working to integrate BDN-trained doulas into hospitals to improve continuity of care. The BLACK Doula training includes several key components, such as: 

• Classroom sessions 

• Hands-on skills labs 

• Hospital observations 

• Support hours with families 

  
  

By focusing on comprehensive training and integrating doulas into hospital settings, the BDN is actively working to ensure that Black families receive consistent, culturally congruent support throughout their birth experiences. 

• Learn more about the BDN here 

• Learn about the BLACK Doula Training here 

  
  

Community Health Advocacy: Resources & Referral Services  

BWPC’s Community Health Advocates, also known as Community Health Workers (CHWs), help improve community and maternal health by helping families access healthcare, resources, and support throughout pregnancy and beyond. Trained to offer informed, compassionate guidance, CHWs promote physical and mental well-being for families from all backgrounds. Like doulas, they share a core mission: to support, inform, and advocate for healthier outcomes. 

Enroll with us here 

BLACK Pregnancy Care Support Groups 

BWPC is introducing a new program called BLACK Pregnancy Care Support. Led by a Certified Nurse-Midwife with support from experienced doulas and community health advocates, group sessions will offer interactive discussions, health assessments, and resources to support you and your baby’s health. Participants will also meet and build a circle of support with other moms in the community.  

Learn more and submit your interest here 

Enhancing Knowledge of Doula Scope for Providers  

BWPC offers training for clinicians to deepen their understanding of the doula’s role on the care team. This training highlights the benefits of doula support and promotes collaboration between providers and doulas to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. 

Learn more and take the training here