A Doula from AAIMM Can Provide Helpful Prenatal Care, Support at Delivery, and Breastfeeding Education

From prenatal visits and support during labor to help with newborn feeding, doulas play a vital role in Black maternal health. Doula support may reduce medical interventions (including C-sections), improve mood and satisfaction with the birth experience, and increase breastfeeding success. 

Doulas are professionally trained birth companions who provide support and education throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They play a vital role in ensuring healthy, joyous births, leading to healthier outcomes for both parents and babies.

Black and African American pregnant people in Los Angeles County can receive no-cost doula support at any stage of pregnancy via the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM) Doula Program. Through the AAIMM Doula Program, pregnant people receive culturally congruent care from a Black doula including: three prenatal visits, continuous labor support, three postpartum visits and lactation support.

During prenatal visits, an AAIMM doula will learn the client’s birth preferences and prepare the client for what to expect during labor and delivery.. Doulas provide critical prenatal lactation education and stay with their clients from active labor through to that first newborn feed. Postpartum visits continue to concentrate on lactation and newborn education to assist birthing people and their families in sustaining breastfeeding, building confidence, identifying any challenges as early as possible, and preparing for family life with a new member.

“My motto is, birth, but better,” said Shanica Davis, AAIMM Doula Program Coordinator. “I am here to walk alongside you on this journey to your new life.”

“It’s an honor to be part of such a transformative experience, offering care, guidance, and compassion every step of the way,” said Mia DeSilva, AAIMM Doula.

AAIMM honors the profound impact doulas have on maternal and infant health. By providing culturally responsive care and advocacy, doulas help reduce disparities in maternal mortality and foster positive birth experiences.

Learn more about the AAIMM Doula Program and sign up for doula care at Blackinfantsandfamilies.org.