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.

Women supported by doulas reported feeling more at ease, experienced fewer medical interventions and have shorter labor durations.

Watch this video to learn more.

250+

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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MCDA’s network of doulas offer invaluable support for birth professionals by ensuring that no one has to navigate challenging situations alone.

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Email: mcda313@gmail.com
Phone: 313-254-5464

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 in home visiting did not have a pre-term birth.

Find a home visiting program near you

The State of Michigan’s MIHP provides free support for families, providing home-visiting for pregnant individuals and infants up to 1 year old. The MIHP team that includes both a nurse and a social worker.

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NFP is a free, evidence-based community health program that pairs first-time expectant parents with a personal registered nurse for regular home visits starting early in pregnancy and continuing until the child turns two.

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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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Call 313-961-BABY to enroll and get free resources today.

Michigan WIC offers free breastfeeding peer counselors across local health departments and community agencies to provide mother-to-mother support, education and guidance.

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A free, drop-in support group where pregnant and nursing mothers can get expert lactation help, share experiences and connect in a relaxed setting.

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Transportation

Financial Support

Meagan’s Way Foundation provides temporary financial assistance to patients who reside in Michigan, have been diagnosed with cancer and are currently receiving treatment.

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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 six and 12 months. The program is expanding to shape the lives of thousands of families locally, regionally and nationally.

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