How does it work?

Having a doula during pregnancy can help moms, babies, and families. Studies show that having a doula can lead to a healthier pregnancy, a safer birth, and a better birth experience. The Healthy Start Doula Program believes every family should have the chance to receive this support.

The Healthy Start Doula Program gives physical, emotional, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and after your baby is born. Our doulas answer your questions, share helpful information, and encourage you every step of the way. They are here to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident as you welcome your baby.

Counties:

Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, Suwannee, Union

How to enroll:

As soon as we are ready to start accepting and servicing referrals for doula services through our Healthy Start Doula program, we will be sure to send out information letting all our Healthy Start participants and community partners know. We are hopeful we will be able to start this next phase soon.

In the interim, you can find doulas serving Medicaid and private pay clients by visiting The Doula Network (TDN) website (There are several of our community doulas trained and certified in the G.R.O.W. Doula model available on the TDN website).

Our partnerships:

The Healthy Start Doula Program is overseen by the Healthy Start of North Central Florida and Central Healthy Start Coalitions, affiliate partners of WellFlorida Council. Developed through partnership with the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, creators of the G.R.O.W. Doula Model, and the Healthy Start MomCare Network, the program provides high-quality community doula care throughout Florida. Services are delivered by local Healthy Start Coalitions, ensuring families have access to trusted, community-based support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.