Pregnancy assistance program adding new location, doulas
Jeremy M. Lazarus | 7/28/2022, 6 p.m.
Richmond-based Birth in Color is expanding again to help even more pregnant Black women avoid complications during and after the birthing process.
The nonprofit is now training 10 doulas who will serve in Roanoke, according to Kenda Sutton-El, co-founder and executive director of the organization. The doulas are projected to serve 48 women in the first year.
Launched in 2018, the program last year expanded to Hampton Roads and Lynchburg, Ms. Sutton-El noted.
The program’s goal is to end the disparity in outcomes for Black women, who have a higher death rate than their white counterparts, she stated.
Ms. Sutton-El and Nikiya Ellis organized the group to expand the number of available doulas, or labor assistants, trained to provide physical and emotional support to expectant mothers during pregnancy, delivery and the post-birth period.
Studies have shown that trained doulas offering culturally-informed support can make a difference in the birth outcomes, Ms. Sutton-El stated.
The program operates with funding from the Anthem Foundation and the nonprofit Bearth Village, which focuses on improving maternal health care and birth equity, she added.
