Doula Integration and Awareness Project

Purpose

The Doula Integration and Awareness Project (DIAAP) is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the critical gaps in maternal and infant health outcomes in Georgia by integrating doula support into clinical care settings. By fostering collaboration, enhancing communication, and building mutual understanding between clinicians and perinatal support professionals, DIAAP seeks to set a new standard for culturally competent, patient-centered care. This project aims to improve individual health outcomes and create a sustainable model for holistic care that can be scaled across the state. Goals:

1. Awareness Building:

• Elevate the role of doulas within the healthcare system by advocating for their integration as vital members of the maternal care team, underscoring their impact on reducing birth disparities and enhancing patient satisfaction.

• Develop and disseminate evidence-based educational materials to healthcare providers, highlighting the benefits of doula-supported care for both maternal and infant health outcomes.

• Build and strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, hospitals, and community organizations to champion the inclusion of doula services in standard medical practice.

2. Education and Training:

• Deliver specialized training programs for clinicians and perinatal support professionals to deepen their understanding of the doula’s role, with a focus on cultural competency, perinatal mental health, and collaborative communication.

• Offer a blend of in-person and virtual workshops, ensuring broad access to multifaceted learning experiences that equip participants with the tools needed for effective collaboration with doulas.

• Support ongoing professional growth by providing opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs) that align with certifications like Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C).

3. Integration of Care:

• Promote and implement collaborative care models that seamlessly integrate doulas into clinical settings, enhancing overall care quality and patient outcomes.

• Facilitate continuous dialogue between clinicians and doulas to improve care coordination, trust, and shared decision-making.

• Champion patient-centered care approaches that acknowledge and address the diverse cultural, emotional, and physical needs of birthing people.

4. Outcome Improvement:

• Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of doula integration on maternal and infant health outcomes, using data insights to refine best practices and drive ongoing improvements.

• Prioritize reducing disparities in maternal and infant health, particularly among communities of color, by ensuring culturally competent and accessible care.

• Build a resilient network of trained professionals and advocates to ensure the sustainability of the project and lay the groundwork for its expansion across Georgia

Multifaceted Educational Series

HMHBGA is committed to using evidence-based practices to improve care for underserved communities. Join our free workshops for continuing education, featuring a diverse multifaceted educational series of virtual and in-person presentations for clinical providers & perinatal support professionals.

DIAAP Project Updates

We are currently hosting our DIAAP workshops at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin in Milledgeville, GA and at Piedmont Henry in Stockbridge, GA. We are currently beginning the doula-client matching process at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin.

If interested in joining or learning more, please email workforcedevelopment@hmhbga.org.

Educational Resources

Navigating Cultural Competency on Types of Perinatal Support

Doula Do’s and Don’ts