Doula Project

Project Description

The Iowa Doula Project is an initiative that expands access to perinatal support for Black and African American families by providing culturally congruent, community-based doulas to guide mothers through prenatal care, birth, and the postpartum period. As the lead partner in central Iowa, EveryStep offers free doula services, including prenatal visits, support during labor and delivery, postpartum follow-up, education, and referrals, to expectant families participating in its maternal health programs.

EveryStep doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support, helping clients navigate prenatal care, advocate for their birth preferences, initiate breastfeeding, care for their newborns, and connect with vital community resources. Research demonstrates that doula care improves birth outcomes, reduces complications, and supports healthier postpartum transitions.

With funding for the Iowa Doula Project set to sunset in 2026, the program now faces a funding cliff. Without bridge funding, low-income mothers in central Iowa will lose access to these essential services until they are covered by Medicaid or other sustainable sources. EveryStep is seeking transitional funding to maintain doula support and continue addressing maternal health disparities in the community.