Soulside’s Community Doula Program is a pioneering effort aimed to provide birth and postpartum doula services to individuals and families regardless of income.
Photos courtesy of Shelby Springer
The Community Doula Program aims to ensure everyone has equal access to the support and resources that lead to the best possible birth experience.
What are the benefits of a doula?
A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support for the birthing parent and their partner(s) throughout their journey, from pregnancy to the postpartum period. The following stats on the benefits of having a doula are from Evidence Based Births and National Library of Medicine:
25% decrease in the risk of unwanted Cesarean
8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
57% lower odds of postpartum depression/postpartum anxiety
What is Included?
Birth Doula
The birth doula provides active labor support and meets with the client during pregnancy to aid with birth education, birth plan, pain coping techniques, partner involvement in labor, and wellness during pregnancy.
Postpartum Doula
The postpartum doula meets with the client once during pregnancy to aid with postpartum plans and provides 20 hours of postpartum support including: light housekeeping, meal preparation, grocery shopping, nursery organization, breastfeeding support or referrals, self-care support, and/or newborn care while parents rest.
Birth Education
All clients are required to participate in a Birth Education course to be as prepared and empowered as possible for birth. Soulside’s Birth Education course will be an option for pregnant individuals in and out of the doula program.
Bodywork
Clients will receive access to prenatal and postpartum certified massage therapists, reiki practitioners, yoga instructors and other body workers for a limited number of sessions.
We operate on a sliding scale model for economic justice. Our experienced doulas provide the same quality of care to all individuals regardless of income and ability to pay.
The recommended donation is 3% of annual income if receiving both birth and postpartum doula support, if basic needs are met. No client is required to pay any fees for services as a participant in the doula program. No proof of income is required.
For example:
If your annual household income is $100,000 and you are receiving both birth and postpartum doula services, your recommended donation is $3,000.
If your annual household income is $30,000 and you are receiving only birth doula services, your recommended donation is $450.
Market rate in our area for combined birth and postpartum doula services is $3,000. Donating any amount to our program helps sustain it into the future.
Donations help show more moms, babies, and families what empowered birth feels like.
Maybe you had an incredible birth experience with a care team that supported and empowered you every step of the way, and you want to make sure everyone has access to that kind of care. Maybe you didn’t, and you want to make sure no one else faces a lack of choice or power during their own births. Maybe there’s another deep experience that draws you towards supporting safe, beautiful, and dignified birth experiences.
If you have the means to donate to this program, your support will go towards connecting doulas to families who otherwise could not afford this type of personal, holistic perinatal care. Our program is partially supported through sliding scale fees paid by clients, but substantially relies on donations from our generous community. Your support goes a long way.
Mission and Values
Empowerment
We believe the best birth plan is one in which the birthing person is empowered to make educated choices. We are dedicated to making well-rounded, judgment-free birth education more accessible. We provide the resources, knowledge, and guidance to help individuals navigate their birthing journey with confidence and autonomy.
Doula Connection
We believe that most, if not all, birthing people could benefit from the support of a doula. Therefore, we are dedicated to connecting those in need with compassionate and skilled doula care. Our goal is to ensure that every birthing person has access to the transformative support that a doula provides, nurturing them through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Holistic Perinatal Care
We believe the wellness of our society hinges on how birthing people and babies are cared for during pregnancy and postpartum. In order to foster a foundation of wellness for both parent and child, we are committed to expanding access to loving care that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Personalized Matchmaking
We know that the right doula can significantly impact the outcome of a pregnancy and birth experience. We are committed to carefully matching doulas with their clients based on the unique set of skills, tools, and experiences they possess. Our intuitive approach ensures that each individual receives personalized care from a doula who resonates with their needs and preferences.
Inclusivity
We believe family structures and circumstances surrounding birth are diverse and unique. As such, we are committed to using inclusive language that leaves no one wondering if they are welcome. We embrace and support individuals and families from all walks of life, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
I want to receive doula services!
Fill out a form and be matched with a doula based on your individual needs. We cannot guarantee doulas for every person who fills out this intake form.
I’m a birth worker and I want in!
Click the button below to send us an email, and we’ll connect with you on next steps. Thanks for your interest!
I want to make a donation!
Your generosity supports the vision that every birthing person in Central Illinois has access to skilled doulas. Thank you!