Diversifying Doulas Initiative®
Patients R Waiting is addressing the maternal mortality crisis by providing Lancaster Black and Latinx expectant moms with doula support. The health disparity experienced by women of color surrounding childbirth is heightened by COVID-19. Doulas can help to meet the emotional support needed by providing care and education, virtually and in person. The paucity of doulas of color in Lancaster is also being addressed by our doula training program.
Patients R Waiting is committed to eliminating health disparities by increasing diversity in medicine. We are also committed to increasing access to healthcare that improves pregnancy outcomes. Thank you for being interested in receiving doula services through the Diversifying Doulas Initiative®. Patients R Waiting is happy to provide subsidized doula care for Birthing People of Color in Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York, PA.
Are you interested in having a doula for your pregnancy?
Please complete and submit our intake form below:
Our Goals
Increase Access
Doulas have proven to provide many benefits to pregnant women, but they can often costs upwards of $1200. Through this program, we will place pregnant women of color with experienced doulas, free of charge. Benefits can include reduction in anxiety, lower rates of C-sections, and much more.
Provide Education
Our childbirth education course provided by doulas offers a culturally competent, supportive, and personalized learning experience that empowers individuals to approach childbirth with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of community.
Recruit
Because of the lack of diversity within doulas throughout Lancaster, we have provided women of color with the formal training necessary to become a certified doula. Through a process curated by doulas, we have increased the doulas of color in Lancaster by over 3800%.
Research
Research on doulas helps establish evidence-based practices that can be integrated into maternity care and provides the data needed to advocate for policy changes that support the inclusion of doulas in healthcare systems..
What We Offer?
Childbirth Education Classes:
Pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or recently postpartum? Join us for a unique, culturally competent course provided by Doulas.
Become a Doula through DDI:
Become a Certified Doula (CD) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist directly through the Diversifying Doulas Initiative (DDI) 5-month training program.
Cohort 6 applications opening this January 2025!
Join our PRW Doula Network:
Already a doula? If you are a Certified Doula (CD) who was trained outside of DDI. Please become part of our PRW Doula Network.
Doula Services:
Interested in a Doula for your pregnancy? Please complete our intake form for a chance to receive subsidized doula services.
Meet the Team
-
Sabrina Torres, CD
Program Director
-
Rae Johnson-Bundy, LCCE, CD
Doula Trainer, Owner of Doula Right Thing LLC
-
Wendy Trees Shiffer, MS, FACCE, LCCE, CD
Leadership Team
Patient R Waiting Doulas: Cohort 4
-
Blessing Uko
Certified Doula (DRT)
Blessing became a doula to make a difference in the number of minority birthing people who are two to four times more likely to die from childbirth in comparison to their white counterparts. She has experienced firsthand the impact the lack of advocacy can have in the birth space for women of color. Stepping into this space and educating our community is the first step on the journey of breaching that gap.
-
Dr. Courtnee Jordan-Cox, ICADC
Certified Doula (DRT)
Courtnee leads with heart, humor and curiosity to explore the pathways for a safe and informed birthing process, which is personalized for each family. She is an educator with a doctorate in leadership, as well as a Certified Doula, 200 Hour Trained Yoga Instructor, and Certified Addictions Professional. Courtnee utilizes her vast experience to combine powerful yoga principles and practice with education, empowerment and advocacy to change the narrative of maternal care, particularly in the black community.
-
Ka'Shell Long
Certified Doula (DRT)
Ka’Shell L. Long is a certified doula and mental health advocate located in Central Pennsylvania with a 13 year career as a healthcare professional. She has dedicated her work as a doula to cultivating positive birthing experiences, by promoting safety, establishing trust, and prioritizing maternal health equity. Understanding this work is bigger than her she stands on the principle of operating in Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence. She is excited to support the mothers and families of the community through every phase of their maternal journey and every maternal decision! She would love to be a part of your experience.
-
Monteeka Parker
Certified Doula (DRT)
As a Doula, Monteeka is here to provide compassion, grace, love and support. She takes pride in knowing that she can get the job done sufficiently.
-
Rhoneisha Woods
Certified Doula (DRT)
Becoming a doula allows Rhoneisha to educate, support & empower birthing people and families as they go through one of the most important journeys of their life. Birth can be scary for some and her job is to ensure that her clients are prepared for not only childbirth but any obstacles that may come our way. Rhoneisha wants her clients to feel comfortable & safe. She wants them to know that it is okay to speak up when something does not look or feel right!
-
Mayra Hampton
Certified Doula (DRT)
Mayra is a certified doula dedicated to empowering, educating, and providing equanimity before, during, and after pregnancy. As a birthing person, She understands the journey intimately, having experienced the loss of an angel baby alongside the joys of parenthood with her little girl. With a passion for supporting expectant birthing people, she brings compassion, knowledge, and a nurturing spirit to he role as a doula.
-
Martu Jabateh
Certified Doula (DRT)
Martu’s greatest title and honor she considers having is a mother. She believes that birth is a supernatural experience and every birthing person deserves a super special birth experience. Martu’s mission is to help end the racial disparities in maternal and infant health.
-
Nikki Brown
Certified Doula (DRT)
Nikki is a certified doula and emergency medical technician with 14 years of experience as a healthcare professional as well as a mom of two beautiful children. As a doula, she provided emotional and physical support to expectant mothers and their families during labor and postpartum. Nikki embraces the miracle of birth with love and compassion. She intends to support every journey with grace and empowerment. She is dedicated to helping every birthing person birth their baby with dignity and respect.
-
Destiny Caldwell
Certified Doula (DRT)
Destiny’s passion is advocating and being a support system in the Black Maternal Health Community. Birthing people deserve informed and safe births. According to Destiny, birth is a beautiful and important experience, and she can’t wait to embark on this life-fulling journey. Destiny is a doula based in Atlanta, GA.
-
Sabrina Torres
Certified Doula (DRT)
Sabrina Torres, founder of Serene Madre Doula Services LLC, is your trusted companion on the journey to parenthood. With a passion for empowering expectant parents, Sabrina offers compassionate support, evidence-based guidance, and unwavering advocacy throughout pregnancy, labor, and beyond. Certified and a mother herself, she is committed to fostering a serene environment where your choices are respected, your needs are heard, and your journey to parenthood is celebrated with warmth and care. ¡Hablo español!
Special Thanks to our Program Sponsors
