Diversifying Doulas Initiative®
Are you interested in having a Doula for your pregnancy?
The Diversifying Doulas Initiative (DDI) connects families with trained Doulas who provide emotional, physical, educational, and advocacy support. Complete the form to let us know what you’re looking for, and a member of our team will follow up with you about available doula support..
Our Why
Patients R Waiting (PRW) believes that part of our commitment to eliminating health disparities also includes increasing access to healthcare that improves health outcomes.
Founded in 2020, our Diversifying Doulas Initiative® (DDI) jumped into action after the COVID-19 global pandemic heightened the health disparity experienced by birthing people of color surrounding childbirth. For 5 years, DDI has provided birthing people of color in Central PA with Doula support to address the maternal mortality crisis.
Diversifying Doulas Initiative®
Diversifying Doulas Initiative has four main goals
Doulas have proven to provide many benefits to pregnant women, but they can often costs upwards of $1200. Through this program, we will place birthing people of color with experienced Doulas, free of charge. Benefits can include reduction in anxiety, lower rates of C-sections, and much more.
Increase Access
Our community education circle provided by Doulas offers a culturally competent, supportive, and personalized learning experience that empowers individuals to approach childbirth with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of community.
Provide Education
Because of the lack of diversity within Doulas, we have provided women of color with the formal training necessary to become a Certified Doula. Through a process curated by Doulas, we have increased the Doulas of color in Lancaster by over 3800%.
Diversify Workforce
Research on Doulas helps establish evidence-based practices that can be integrated into maternity care and provides the data needed to advocate for policy changes that support the inclusion of doulas in healthcare systems..
Research
What we Offer
For Birthing People
Doula Services
Are you currently pregnant and interested in having a Doula? Please complete our client interest form below.
Community Education Classes
Pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or recently postpartum? Join us for a unique, culturally competent course provided by Doulas.
DADvocates Training
Join us a DADvocates Info Session—a chance for Black men to come learn & discover how you can use your voice to make a difference.
Doula Directory
Interested in connecting with Doulas in our community? Visit our Doula Directory at the link below.
For Doulas
Become a Doula through DDI:
Become a Certified Doula (CD) directly through the Diversifying Doulas Initiative (DDI) 2-year mentorship.
Join our PRW Doula Network:
Already a doula? If you are a Certified Doula (CD) who was trained outside of DDI. Please become part of our PRW Doula Network.
Meet the Diversifying Doulas Initiative Team
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Sharee Livingston, DO
Co-Founder of Diversifying Doulas Initiative
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Cherise Hamblin, MD
Co-Founder of Diversifying Doulas Initiative
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Sabrina Gonzalez, CPD CD
Director of Community Programs
Certified Perinatal Doula, Owner of Serene Madre Doula Services, LLC
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Rae Johnson-Bundy, LCCE, CD
Doula Trainer
Owner of Doula Right Thing LLC
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Wendy Trees Shiffer, MS, FACCE, LCCE, CD
DDI Mentor
Certified Doula
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Nikia Lawson, CD
Doula Trainer
International Birth Doula Trainer and Childbirth Educator
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Venus Ricks, M.Ed
Program and Grants Administrator
Special Thanks to our Program Sponsors
