Better Beginnings Doula Program
Birth Doulas provide practical, emotional, physical, spiritual and informational support. Birth doulas work with and advocate for their clients during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Doulas aim to empower clients to have the birth they want, as well as have autonomy over their birth and body.
Topics covered
Education tailored to meet the needs of parents during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas build strong, trusting relationships throughout their pregnancy so the clients feel comfortable and confident about their birth. Doulas also help connect clients to valuable community resources. Some things a doula might help with are questions and concerns about birth, birth planning, breast/chest feeding, bottle feeding, and postpartum support.
Activities
Doulas meet with clients a minimum of three times during pregnancy, support during the entire birth process, and a minimum three times post-partum. We currently have two Certified Lactation Specialists who are on staff to make home visits when clients may be struggling with breast/chest feeding. The YWRC can also supply moms with lactation pumps when they are needed.
Age group
Currently serving young pregnant people up to age 24.
Time & day
Doulas will meet with clients privately in person or virtually at the convenience of the client. These appointments might take place anytime or anywhere.
Questions?
Contact us via email or by calling 515.244.4901.
If you are CURRENTLY a Young Moms /YWRC participant, click here to register for the Better Beginnings Doula Program.
If you are NEW to the Young Moms program/the YWRC, please click here to register for the Better Beginnings Doula Program.
Related Programs
After School Groups
The Young Women’s Resource Center holds weekly after school groups for young women in the Des Moines area in 5th through 12th grades. These groups explore a variety of topics such as body image, self-esteem, reproductive health and healthy relationships. They include hands-on activities, field trips, guest speakers and community service projects. (Groups are currently held online and meet in a virtual space. Project-specific activity kits are provided for participants.)
Better Beginnings Doula Program
The term doula comes from ancient Greek which means, “a woman who serves”. Today Birth Doulas provide practical, emotional, physical, spiritual and informational support. Birth doulas stand by their clients during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas aim to empower clients to have the birth they want, as well as have autonomy over their birth and body.
Childbirth Education Group
Held at the Young Women’s Resource Center, the Pregnancy and Birth Support Group provides comprehensive pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum education for young women and their partners.