The Birth Keepers
BIPOC Doula Pilot Program
The Birth Keepers BIPOC Doula Pilot Program is a comprehensive, year-long training and mentorship initiative aimed at cultivating a sustainable community of culturally aligned doulas. This program not only enhances the birthing experience for families but also addresses significant health disparities in maternal care. By focusing on perinatal care, we empower doulas to offer support that is not only skilled but also deeply rooted in cultural understanding and community needs.
Why This Program is Essential
Maternal death rates in Washington State reveal alarming disparities:
263+ Native American & Alaska Native
85+ Pacific Islander
78+ Black & African American
121+ Hispanic & White
These statistics highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive care. Black, Indigenous, and other women of color face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates, making this a public health crisis. Doula support offers an immediate, low-cost solution to improving maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly in communities most affected by systemic healthcare inequities.
The Birth Doula Program
creates opportunities
for diverse doulas
Nuestra misión
The Birth Doula Program creates opportunities for diverse doulas—especially Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, Asian, and other underrepresented communities—to reclaim their cultural birth practices. By receiving mentorship, emotional support, and professional training, these doulas are empowered to provide culturally appropriate care. This care helps families navigate the challenges posed by social determinants of health, such as racism, poverty, stress, and housing insecurity.
Every week in the U.S, more than 20 women die from pregnancy-related complications—rates that disproportionately affect Black and Indigenous communities. While there are many systemic barriers to improving maternal mortality rates, one immediate and effective intervention is the use of birth and postpartum doulas.
Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, informational, and advocacy support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. Unlike medical staff, doulas focus on ensuring that families are respected, informed, and empowered to make decisions about their care. Research shows that women who receive doula support experience shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, and better outcomes for their newborns, who are more likely to breastfeed and thrive.
When doulas share cultural, linguistic, and community connections with the families they support, these benefits are even more profound. A culturally aligned doula not only understands the birthing person's unique cultural needs but also fosters a deeper sense of trust and respect during one of life’s most critical moments.
Why Doula Support Matters
Additional Benefits for Program Participants
As part of the Birth Keepers BIPOC Doula Pilot Program, participants will receive comprehensive support to ensure their success as certified doulas. The following benefits are provided:
Paid Doula Training: Covers all necessary books, materials, and resources.
Paid Mentorship: Ongoing guidance during training and through the licensure process.
Doula Certification: Participants will be certified through the State of Washington upon completion.
Business Startup Support: Guidance in medical billing and establishing your doula practice.
Monthly Check-ins: Continued mentorship for a year following program completion.
Prenatal and Postpartum Support: Mentorship includes assistance with counseling, prenatal visits, and postpartum care.
Birth Support: Phone and text support from mentors during births.
Debriefing Sessions: Opportunities for reflection and skill development after births.
Flexible Mentorship Duration: Ongoing support, typically for 3 months or longer, depending on progress.
Registrations are closed for this cohort. Please check back in the Spring of 2025 for updates on the next training program.
In partnership with:
Clark County Public Health Healthy Communities Team
