Pregnancy Support - United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Doulas

A doula is a trained professional who gives emotional, physical and educational support before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Studies suggest that doula care can make labor and delivery safer for pregnant people and babies

Doula support contributes to a 29% lower risk of preterm birth (Role of Doulas in Improving Maternal Health and Health Equity Among Medicaid Enrollees, 2014‒2023 – PMC).

Women supported by doulas reported feeling more at ease, experienced fewer medical interventions and have shorter labor durations. (Doulas ease stress, increase satisfaction with birthing experience, statistics indicate | ScienceDaily )

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256+

Medicaid enrolled doulas in Michigan (Detroit Health Equity Dashboard, 2024)

Doula organizations

The Community-based Doula Program is a FREE service that connects expectant mothers of Detroit with peer support throughout their pregnancy, during birth, and the early post-partum period. We focus on this sensitive period in a family’s life, when intervention makes the most difference, creating long-term linkages to support networks. The doulas are of and from Detroit. Therefore, bridging cultural barriers in order to meet health needs. Our community-based doula program improves infant health, strengthens families, and establishes supports to ensure ongoing family success. We proudly use the HealthConnect One Community-based Doula Model.

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The MDHHS Doula Registry provides information regarding doulas in Michigan who have been verified as having completed one of the MDHHS-approved doula training programs. Visit the website for a registry of Doula providers.

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Peer Support and Home Visiting

Join BMBFA’s Community-Based Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, a comprehensive and free home-visiting service designed to empower expectant and breastfeeding mothers on their nursing journey.

Our dedicated counselors offer essential and personalized support, addressing a wide range of needs including latching assistance, weaning guidance, milk storage solutions, and overcoming social barriers and stigmas to seamlessly integrate breastfeeding into your lifestyle.

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The goal of home visiting is to make sure moms have a healthy pregnancy and parents are supported to help their children grow and develop in a safe and stimulating environment. Home visiting is free and voluntary. Home visitors can give you information on many topics based on what your family needs including pregnancy.

Nearly 90% of mothers who participate I home visiting did not have a pre-term birth.

Find a Home Visiting Program near you

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SisterFriends Detroit (SFD) is a volunteer effort to support healthier women and their babies until the baby’s first birthday. SisterFriends work to improve birth outcomes and infant mortality rates in Detroit by connecting caring and compassionate volunteer mentors to women who are pregnant or recently had a baby to gain access to services and resources while creating a circle of caring around Detroit Families.

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Financial Support

As the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, Rx Kids is providing life-changing financial security that is universal and unconditional. Moms receive $1,500 during pregnancy, and babies receive $500 a month for a designated length of time that varies between 6 – 12 months. The program is expanding to shape the lives of thousands of families locally, regionally, and nationally.

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