Evidence shows that a trusted companion during pregnancy can reduce stress and improve pregnancy outcomes. Continuous labor support from a doula can decrease the length of labor, the risk of cesarean, and the use of medications for pain relief or to speed up labor. Continuous labor support can also increase breastfeeding initiation  and improve maternal satisfaction with the birth experience. 

Access to continuous labor support from a doula is especially vital for birthing people of color. Black women experience higher rates of poor birth outcomes, including cesareans, preterm and low birth weight infants, and infant death, than other racial groups (Thomas et al., 2017). The AAIMM Initiative is committed to eliminating preventable Black infant and maternal deaths. 

No. A birth doula is a companion who supports a birthing person during pregnancy, labor and birth. Birth doulas are trained to provide continuous, one-on-one care, as well as information, physical support, and emotional support to birthing persons and their partners. Doulas are not medical professionals. They do not: perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring; give medical advice or diagnose conditions; make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise); pressure the birthing person into certain choices; take over the role of the partner, support person, or family member; catch the baby, or; change shifts (although some doulas may call in their back up after several hours). 

To make a referral, please contact program staff Michelle Sanders ([email protected]) or Ariana White ([email protected]) or by phone at (213) 639-6448. Please include client name, phone number, zip code, and estimated due date (EDD).  

Self-referrals are accepted. Please contact program staff Michelle Sanders ([email protected]) or Ariana White  ([email protected])  or by phone at (213) 639-6448. Please include your name, phone number, zip code, and estimated due date (EDD). 

Pregnant teens can be referred and receive AAIMM doula services on a case-by-case basis. Teens must meet eligibility criteria of self-identifying as Black/African American, pregnant, and reside in one of the priority geographic regions of the program. If you or the teen for whom you are referring does not meet program eligibility, program staff will do their best to locate and refer to other doula services.  Please contact program staff directly to make a referral. 

Clients will receive three prenatal and three postpartum visits, and continuous labor and delivery support whether at home, at a birth center or at a hospital. The postpartum visits occur within one-week postpartum, two weeks postpartum, and six weeks postpartum. Doulas are also available to support clients outside of scheduled appointments (phone, text, etc.). Clients exit the program after completing their third postpartum visit. The AAIMM Doula Program is voluntary, so clients may also exit the program at any time.

During COVID-19, many visits and labor support became virtual. AAIMM Doulas follow all Health Officer Orders and the policies of each hospital or institution. Client safety and comfort are our highest priorities. 

Clients receive gifts for themselves and baby at various intervals throughout the program. 

Doulas carry a caseload of two births per month. They are on call 24/7 for each client two weeks prior and two weeks after the EDD. 

Within the doula scope of work, doulas are not mandated reporters.  

Clients participating in programs such as BIH, NFP, or Welcome Baby can absolutely receive AAIMM doula services, if eligible. 

Pregnant individuals who do not identify as Black/African American are not eligible to participate in the AAIMM Doula program, but there are other programs that provide free or low-cost doula support: 

• • Joy In Birthing Foundation
• • Birthworkers of Color Collective Long Beach
• • SBCC Thrive LA
• • What Do Doulas Do – And How Can I Find One in LA – LAist

Thank you for your interest! Please complete the AAIMM Doula Program application at: https://forms.office.com/g/GEcEwKdcqn.

In the past, the AAIMM Doula Program has offered free trainings for community members, including new doula training, trauma-informed care, full spectrum/abortion support, and CPR. To find out about upcoming trainings, get involved!  Join one of the AAIMM Community Action Teams (CAT) or Doula Advisory Committee listservs. The AAIMM CATs and Advisory Committee receive and share information across the AAIMM network on trainings and other opportunities available to community residents.

Our AAIMM CATs are located in Antelope, San Fernando,  and San Gabriel Valleys, as well as South LA/South Bay.  Training slots are limited and involvement in CAT/Committee does not guarantee a space, but it helps. Please contact: Adjoa Jones [email protected]  (South LA/South Bay AAIMM CAT), Cesar Sanchez [email protected]   (Antelope Valley and San Fernando Valley AAIMM CATs), Annette Trejo [email protected] (San Gabriel Valley), and Michelle Sanders  [email protected]  (Doula Advisory Committee) to be added to each group.  

The AAIMM Doula Program is housed at the LA County Department of Public Health, Division of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and is led by a dedicated, experienced dream team: