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, contact Angelica Mickel at amickel@guilfordcounty.gov.

In 2024, the Community 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.