About Doula Care

Mary's Hands Network Volunteer Doula Program is a community-based initiative that connects trained doulas with expectant mothers who may benefit from additional support during their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey.

• A doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to women and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doulas offer non-medical support and work alongside healthcare providers to provide compassionate care.
• Volunteer doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and families. This may include offering comfort measures during labor, providing emotional support, assisting with breastfeeding, and helping with postpartum recovery and newborn care.

• Doulas can provide emotional and practical support to women in crisis pregnancy, helping them navigate the challenges and uncertainties they may face.
• Doulas have the opportunity to assess a mom's individual needs and help her find the right support to bridge any gaps and improve her overall experience.
• Doulas don't just provide support during birth, but also help moms prepare for pregnancy, birth, and the continued growth of their family.

Anyone who has completed our doula training program and is passionate about supporting expectant mothers and families can apply to become a volunteer doula with Mary's Hands Network.

While previous experience as a doula is beneficial, it is not necessarily required. Mary's Hands Network provides the opportunity training and ongoing support for volunteers to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective support to expectant mothers and families.

Volunteer doulas are matched with expectant mothers based on factors such as availability, location, and specific needs of the mother. Mary's Hands Network carefully considers these factors to ensure the best possible match for each mother.

• ICEA doula training provides a comprehensive understanding of the birth process and the various options available to women during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
• Certification through ICEA ensures that the doula has met a high standard of training and professionalism, giving women and families greater confidence in their abilities.
• ICEA doula training also includes education on cultural competency, enabling doulas to serve women from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and respect.
• Being an ICEA-certified doula allows for continued education and networking opportunities with other birth professionals, keeping doulas up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field.
• Many hospitals and birthing centers require doulas to be certified in order to practice, making ICEA certification a valuable asset for those seeking to serve a wider range of clients.

If you are an expectant mother seeking support, you can connect with Mary's Hands Network by contacting us via email at hello@maryshandsnetwork.org. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to empower you on your motherhood journey.