Doulas of Douglas County: Part 3

Summary

World Doula Week begins each year on March 22nd. This day was chosen as it is the spring equinox and, for many cultures, represents the return of fertility. Locally, we are fortunate to have the Doulas of Douglas County to provide families with care and support before, during and after childbirth. This three-part series is going to delve into this organization through the lens of Traci Dotson, Program Manager and Doula.
 

What is coming up for the Doulas in 2023?

"I think the thing I am most excited for during 2023 is one of our doula’s opening her own infant/toddler child care home. We know how important having a quality, reliable and trustworthy provider is and how challenging it can be to find that. The ability to funnel our families directly into this type of care is a major accomplishment, and it being provided by one of our own members is really special. We are really lucky to get the opportunity to walk alongside these families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and now look forward to the chance to be a part of their child’s earliest years.

On the doula-side of things: We will be launching a childbirth education series and parent workshop. Both should be available in the Spring for pregnant and new-parent families to register. The parent workshop focuses on teaching parents how to gain relationship satisfaction and create healthy social, emotional, and intellectual development for their children. Our childbirth education series will be available in English/Spanish and focuses on preparing the pregnant person and their partner, or other support person, for both. We want to provide evidence-based information in a digestible format."
 

"We are really lucky to get the opportunity to walk alongside these families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and now look forward to the chance to be a part of their child’s earliest years." Traci Dotson, Program Manager and Doula

What kind of support do the Doulas of Douglas County need?

"Advocacy: Continuing to work with local midwives to increase awareness and access to homebirth. This work includes developing a plan to increase care options (i.e. birth center, home midwifery etc.) for pregnant people in our community. Connecting with other professionals and organizations with shared goals or values to grow support for families is always an interest of ours. 

Right now we have a fundraiser running for a mom that has struggled to receive prenatal care and is uninsured, thus paying out of pocket. This will cost them thousands of dollars as a family of 5 with one income. We’re asking the community to pull together in support of the family— they’ve already saved $2,000 and we’ve raised some funds, so we’re a little over halfway to our goal! Folks can donate through PayPal or our campaign on Network for Good. No amount is too small and donations of $50+ receive a thank you gift from the doulas!"
 

Contact Information

Facebook: Doulas of Douglas County
Instagram: @doulasofdouglascounty.org
Phone: 785-760-3924
E-mail: doula@dcsb6.org
Website: www.doulasofdouglascounty.org