Become a Birth Worker

Community Doula Partnership

The Doula Desert Maternal Health Project - Spokane

How can doulas of color make a change in Spokane to improve outcomes for people of color?  

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

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What is a doula? 

Often referred to as birth companions, doulas offer expecting or recently delivered mothers emotional, physical, and instructional aid. They remain by the mother's side during labor and might conduct home visits following the baby's arrival. Doulas provide support, guidance, and solace to new mothers.

Doula Responsibilities:

Offering emotional, physical, ethical, and instructional aid, particularly when the father and other close relatives are unavailable.
Listening to the mother's inquiries and worries in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner and providing optimal guidance.

Attending prenatal meetings to familiarize oneself with the mother, understand her childbirth preferences, and identify additional needs.
Remaining present throughout labor, delivering ongoing physical and emotional assistance during and post childbirth.
Visiting the mother's home post-discharge, aiding in baby care while the mother recuperates.

Providing practical assistance and guidance after childbirth, such as arranging the nursery, running errands, aiding in breastfeeding, and meal preparation.
Staying updated on childbirth support, birthing methods, and prenatal and postnatal care through research, networking with fellow doulas and mothers, and participating in workshops and lectures.
Offering support in any way possible to facilitate a smoother transition into motherhood.

Educational Requirements

Doula Requirements:

• Extensive childbirth experience.

• Relevant certification might be required.

• A calming and nurturing presence.

• The ability to answer questions and provide guidance in a nonjudgemental way.

• A wealth of knowledge on childbirth and pre and post-natal care.

• The ability to remain calm, multitask, and provide emotional support.
  Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Finalists

1. Finalists will be interviewed by the committee.

2. Must complete a background check. 

Recipients

1. Must attend monthly meetings.

2. Must partner with The Learning Project Network and The Shades of Motherhood Network for 2 years. 

3. Must participate in Spokane's local chapter for doulas of color.  

4. Must submit an intake form for families whom you are providing care for. 

5. Must partner once a year with a local organization. 

6. Must participate and be willing to work in community-based projects to develop or next steps with the program.

7. You will be a part of a formal study about Black maternal health in Spokane, Wa - you will be a contracted partner with the SOMN.

8. Must pay $50 application fee : this covers adminstrative fee for background check.

Scholarship Disbursements

1. 10 people of color will be provided scholarships to receive culturally congruent training and provide care to birthing people in the Spokane Community.

2. All recipients will receive funding 2 to 4 weeks after the announcement and award letter has been disbursed. 

3. All funds will be allocated directly to the programs of choice. 

4. If a scholar quits or drops out of the course, funding will be requested back within 3 weeks of leaving the program.