LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is initiating a plan to provide boots on the ground to enhance maternal health care in the state.
UAMS officials announced its Community Health Innovation will train 80 doulas over the next year. Scholarships are available to cover the full cost of the six-month training.
Doulas are trained birth coaches who provide support and training to expectant and new mothers, often working with a mother from early in the pregnancy. Studies have found doulas improve maternal mortality rates.
The university is partnering with the Ujima Maternity Network and Birthing Beyond to provide the training. Arkansas Blue & You and the Arkansas Community Foundation is supporting the $3,295 scholarships for the six-month training program.
Scholarship applicants can be from anywhere in the state and must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English and have a valid driver’s license and reliable internet access.
The program includes 40 hours of in-person training with Ujima Maternity Network on select dates in Conway, Jonesboro, Springdale, Arkadelphia and a southeast Arkansas location still to be determined, as well as a scheduled three-day virtual training with Birthing Beyond.
Participants will also complete a 45-hour Certified Breastfeeding Counselor course and train in HIPAA and CPR.
UAMS officials said Arkansas has fewer than 50 trained doulas and does not offer official doula certification. The program aims to develop a doula association and train 200 doulas over the next two years.
#University #Arkansas #Medical #Sciences #plans #doula #training #scholarships
Leave a Reply