The Doula Partnership of Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, and Madison counties has been established to promote and provide doula services to pregnant residents who qualify as low-income or may have challenges accessing prenatal, birth, and postnatal support.

Since 2018, Cayuga Community Health Network has made a positive impact in its community through its Labor and Delivery Doula Program; due to its success it was determined the program was worth replicating and expanding in the Central New York area.

Therefore, the collaborative partnership between Cayuga Community Health Network, Herkimer County Public Health, Madison County Rural Health Council, and Seven Valleys Health Coalition was born.

According to Dona International, one of the primary organizations that support doulas in the United States, “... there is overwhelming evidence that demonstrates the benefits of having a doula, which includes the reduced likelihood of cesarean section and improved postpartum mental health.”

This year, in addition to the 12 birth doulas in Cayuga County, the Doula Partnership has trained 22 new birth doulas in Cortland and Madison counties.

A doula is a trained, non-clinical professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and after childbirth to achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.

The Doula Partnership will provide three prenatal visits, advocacy and support during labor and delivery, and three postpartum visits at no cost. Evidence shows that birth outcomes for both the birthing person and the baby are improved with the presence of a doula.

Positive outcomes of doula support are often seen as shorter duration of labor, decreased adverse maternal/child health outcomes, decreased use of any medications for pain relief, and increased positive experiences during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, according to the announcement.

The Doula Partnership serving Cayuga, Cortland, and Madison counties are currently accepting self-referrals and referrals from healthcare providers and community services organizations that support pregnant women. Herkimer County Public Health will begin accepting referrals in 2024. People can reach out to The Doula Partnership serving your county for more information.