What does being a doula mean to you? 

(To me), being a doula means: honor, support, education, sacredness, dedication, listening, affirming, reiterating forgotten thoughts, building community, joy, resiliency, being a voice for the voiceless, and much more.

One reason a family should consider having a doula:

A family should consider having a doula to assist with coping techniques, (provide) support for the supporting partner, lessen medical interventions, (create) positive birthing outcomes, shorten labor, and last but certainly not least: to help the woman/birthing person with SELF-confidence.

What does being a doula mean to you? 

To me, being a doula means being of service to birthing people. (It means) making sure all birthing people are (aware) of their rights.

One reason a family should consider having a doula:

Families should consider having a doula to support them when trying to figure out pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas walk families through the tough and confusing stuff, and let them know that everything they may be feeling is valid.

About Sierra: 

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Sierra Massey is currently a student midwife at a Black and woman-owned birth center (Kindred Space LA), integrating her services as a full-spectrum birthworker, yoga instructor, and herbalist.

About Shanica: 

Shanica’s motto is “Birth, but better.” She is here to walk alongside you on this journey to your new life. From pregnancy test to first shots, she is able to assist with the transition into parenthood. Her goal is to educate, support and create a safe space for expecting families to have the birth that they desire.

For Shanee Finley, being a doula means creating a sacred space for birthing families to honor their birth as a Rite of Passage, for all birth outcomes. Doulas offer support, education, advocacy, and resources. Together, these build bridges across generations and communities with an open heart, mind, and hands. 

About Shana:

Shana Spinks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked with families for over 10 years. Her passion grew out of her desire to change the birthing narrative. She believes birthing is one of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life. It’s imperative that the birthing experience consists of the individual feeling like they are listened to, validated, and genuinely supported. 

As she began to explore her passion for this experience and reflect on her own birthing experience, she became aware of the lack of education parents received when making decisions regarding birth.

Summary and Purpose

Consistent with its mission to fight for the health of all moms and babies, March of Dimes issued a July 2018 Position Statement on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity , released a report on maternity care deserts, and is developing an approach to address the “poor quality and differential care” that contributes to the higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality experienced by women of color.1 This interim Position Statement on Doulas and Birth Outcomes will be part of a broader March of Dimes approach to these issues that is under development. It provides evidence and guidance to support March of Dimes participation in advocacy efforts related to doula care as they arise nationally and locally. It also can serve as an education tool about the importance of doulas as a part of the birth team.

Renett Clough is a full-spectrum Doula, Student Midwife, Childbirth Educator, Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, and advocate with over 20 years of experience providing advocacy and support services to families within the under-resourced communities of South Los Angeles.


She was led to birth work following supporting her sister during the emergency cesarean birth of her nephew. She holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and Africana Studies.

What does being a doula mean to you? 

A doula means being your client’s support person during a very pivotal time. A doula is a gatekeeper in a way, helping to guide human souls to earth-side. Being a doula is an honor — especially in Black and Brown communities.

One reason a family should consider having a doula

A family should consider having a doula because you get more support and advocacy during what can be a joyous yet scary time. To know someone is in your corner no matter what can greatly impact the pregnancy experience.

ARE YOU A DOULA WHO WORKS WITH BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN PREGNANT WOMEN AND FAMILIES?

WE'RE HIRING! 

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