BPSP
The Building Perinatal Support Professionals Project (BPSP) seeks to increase the number of qualified perinatal support professionals serving communities most at risk for poor birth outcomes in Georgia.
The BPSP project will provide scholarship and support for those seeking credentialing as Certified Doulas through DONA International. We are currently opening our applications for the 2021-2022 cohort. We will match each participant with an experienced mentor and provide additional training beyond the necessary credentialing workshops to develop opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. All scholars will also undergo trainings related to birthing justice.
Interested in Applying for the 2021 BPSB Cohort?
Get More Details
Apply Today!
February 9th, 2021 Interest Meeting
February 16th, 2021 Interest Meeting
Certified Doulas
Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. According to research, women who utilized birth doulas are less likely to need Pitocin, less likely to have a cesarean birth, less likely to use pain medication, and more likely to rate their childbirth as a positive experience. Doulas may be employed by a facility or practice independently and start a business. Our participants will be certified through DONA International.
Hire a BPSP Doula
BPSP Graduate Directory
Scholarship Program Details
Scholarships are open to applicants that meet the following guidelines:
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- Applicant must be 18 years or older
- Must have a strong interest in working with childbearing families, improving birth outcomes, supporting maternal health, and birthing justice
- Must have High School Diploma or GED
- Must not have previously been certified as a Birth Doula or Postpartum Doula
- Reside in one of the following counties: Butts, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale, Georgia
- Must agree to attend 4 out of 7 total HMHBGA training workshops. On average, we will have a training session each month
- Demonstrate a commitment to becoming a credentialed doula within a 12 month time period
- Demonstrate a high commitment to the program and desire to provide services
- Cohort members can not be staff members of HMHBGA or collaborating organizations
The program allows for scholars to practice on their own time, to become credentialed over a period of time that suits their current work or life schedules, and encourage individuals to develop entrepreneurial skillsets to gain new clients and partners to build their practice. Throughout the workshops, we will bring in professionals to discuss the following topics in order to assure each participant has the information they need to fully develop their practice and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency and birthing justice:
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- Personal Branding
- Business Planning & Financial Management
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Holistic and Comprehensive Care for Queer and Trans Birthgivers
- Doula Business Essentials
- Apothecary and Traditional Herbal Medicine
- and much more!
In addition to the trainings listed above, cohort members will be matched with an experienced professional to serve as a mentor throughout the duration of the project.
Want to Become a Mentor?
2020 Scholarship Cohort
HMHBGA would like to congratulate our 12 scholarship winners. We are excited to embark on a year of learning and growing with them!
BPSP 2020 Cohort Members |
Cherie Grant |
Hannah Fail |
Jamila Lewis |
Kelli Kibble |
Khyla Johnson |
Moussayandi Biza-Jones |
Nakayla Banks |
Shavon Walls |
Taina Hernandez |
Takia Lamb |
Tennah Massaquoi |
Vera Wilson |
Please follow us on social media for updates and photos.
Hospitals and Health Centers
Doulas and childbirth educators are a great way to increase birth outcomes within your hospital or health center. A study published in 2016 suggested that offering the support of a certified doula could save Medicaid and perhaps private insurers nearly $1,000 a birth by reducing cesarean and preterm births.
Want More Information?
Hire a Doula or Childbirth Educator
In Collaboration With
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Center for Black Women's Wellness
Embrace Refugee Birth Support
This program is supported through funding from the United Way of Greater Atlanta. United Way of Greater Atlanta brings together people and resources to tackle complex issues and drive sustainable positive change to help our community thrive.
Additional Questions? Please contact Tina Turner via email at tina.turner@hmhbga.org.