Supporting The Doula, Featuring Ankita Patel

 With the continuing shortage of maternal health care providers, doulas are filling in the gaps to respectfully support birthing people and families to navigate systems of care before, during, and after childbirth. The importance of offsetting the emotional burden from birth workers is only growing as we rely on their expertise and lived experience to actionably address racial equity in maternal health. As doulas are known for their steadfast support throughout the birthing process, we are reminded in part two of BirthWork’s episode on doulas to prioritize the wellbeing of doulas and other members of the perinatal workforce. Your AMCHP cohost explores what it means to provide doula care to support a diverse community and the fluidity in the role of a doula with Ankita Patel of REACHUP, Inc., a community-based organization in Tampa, FL. Tune in to this episode to garner a new take on how “it takes a village” to equitably bring life into the world. And if you haven’t heard what makes a doula, listen to the part 1 of this episode where we talk to Marna Armstead from San Francisco.  

Guest: 

• Ankita Patel, Doula Program Manager at REACHUP, Inc. in Tampa, Florida 

Cohost: 

• Giannina Ong, Program Manager for Reproductive and Maternal Health at AMCHP 

Resources:  

• Want to learn more about REACHUP, Inc? Check out on their website. 
• Where can I find a doula? Every Mother Counts 
• Consider using our discussion guide to facilitate conversations and reflection.  

• Follow us @BetterBirthOutcomes on Instagram and don’t forget to like this episode!
• Learn more about the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) at our website.