In 2024, Every Baby Guilford launched a community-based doula program to link pregnant women who desire having the support of a doula during delivery, regardless of ability to pay. Those enrolled in a Guilford County home-visiting program serving birthing women prenatally may be referred to receive a community-based doula through this program. 

Evidence shows that expectant mothers working with a doula during the prenatal period and childbirth have better maternal and birth health outcomes. Doulas are non-clinical, trained health care workers who support pregnant people before, during, and after pregnancy. They provide physical, informational and emotional support before, during and shortly after birth, working with health care providers to promote prenatal care and a healthy delivery. Doula services include support at two prenatal appointments, attending birth in person, continuous labor support and one postnatal appointment during the first week after childbirth.

This program is supported by a grant from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health. For more information or to get involved, go to Community-Based Doula Program or contact Angelica Mickel at amickel@guilfordcounty.gov.

In 2024, the Community- Based Doula Program received 164 referrals, served 57 births, and 58 babies. Nine contractual doulas were hired in 2024.

Every Baby Guilford also launched a Community Doula directory inviting Doula businesses serving the Triad to be included in a directory to share with expecting families interested in private doula services.

In 2025, the Community-Based Doula Program:

• Sustained 14 contractual doula, who enrolled 88 clients, and supported deliveries of 56 babies.
• 72% of doula clients were still breastfeeding as of their postpartum visit.
• The Doula Learning Collaborative convened two Lunch and Learns, furthering education for seven doulas in the community.

• This program also continues to maintain and promotes the Community Doula directory that includes 23 doula resources in the area.
• Hosted the 2nd Annual Birth Circle Story event on November 18, 2025, inviting families and doulas to share their birth and postpartum experiences through guided storytelling focused on connection, healing, and celebration. This beautiful event was sponsored by the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Physical and Mental Health Committee.