Birth Keepers BIPOC Doula Pilot Program

Birth Keepers BIPOC Doula Pilot Program

Program Name: Birth Keepers BIPOC Doula Pilot Program

Administrator: Fourth Plain Forward (FPF)

Program Duration: 2 years (comprehensive initiative)

Geographic Scope: Clark County/Fourth Plain area, Washington

Purpose:
Train and mentor women of color to become skilled, culturally attuned doulas to address maternal health disparities in communities of color.

Target Population:

Women of color

Focus on addressing disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Native American/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latine women

Problem Being Addressed:
Maternal mortality rates among women of color are alarmingly high:

Pacific Islanders: 85+ per 100,000 live births

Native American and Alaska Native women: 263+ per 100,000 live births

Black and African American women: 78+ per 100,000 live births

Hispanic and White women: 121+ per 100,000 live births

(Data from 2014-2020 in Washington State)

Program Benefits for Participants:

Paid Doula Training: Comprehensive training with all necessary materials provided

Ongoing Paid Mentorship: Support throughout and after training

State Certification: Licensure as a doula through Washington State

Business Startup Guidance: Support with medical billing and business launch

Continuous Support: Monthly check-ins for one year post-training

Mentorship Component

• Support during licensure process
• Assistance with counseling, prenatal, and postpartum visits
• Phone/text support during births
• Debriefing sessions for skill development
• Mentorship duration varies (potentially 3+ months)
• Support system for families served

Program Philosophy:
"Doula care should not just be a privilege, but it should be a standard of care."

Contact Information:

Fourth Plain Forward

Phone: (360) 258-0817

Email: info@fourthplainforward.org

Address: 5107 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Suite 111, Vancouver, WA 98661

Hours: Monday to Friday by appointment only