Mamatoto Institute · Community Program
A sliding scale doula training program launched in 2006, dedicated to reducing adverse birth outcomes in underserved communities by training birth workers from within those communities.
Every community deserves a trained birth worker from within that community, especially the communities that need it most.
Our Origin Story
The Community Doula Program was launched in 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia by Mamatoto Childbirth Alliance. It was founded on a simple but urgent belief: that the women most at risk for adverse birth outcomes, those facing racial disparity, homelessness, interpersonal violence, poverty, or young age, deserve the same quality of doula support as anyone else.
This program is focused on reducing infant mortality, adverse birth outcomes, low birth weight, and prematurity in at-risk pregnant women through a comprehensive system of psychosocial support that includes case management, home visitation, childbirth education, perinatal health, nutrition, and doula support.
Our goal is simple and bold: a trained doula in every community. Not just in the communities that can afford it, but in every neighborhood, every zip code, every corner of the city where a baby is about to be born. Training is offered on a sliding scale fee so that cost is never a barrier to becoming a birth worker for your community.
Why Doulas Matter
With doula support, women are more able to forego epidurals, avoid cesarean births, and have less stressful births. A skilled doula empowers a woman to communicate her needs and actualize her dream of a healthy, positive birth experience.
A doula serves as a mother's advocate, providing a woman with a sympathetic but informed ear for the choices that birthing staff may ask her to make. The doula empowers decisions that are made in the best interest of both the mother and child.
The positive effects of doula care have been found to be greater for women who are socially disadvantaged, low income, unmarried, young, giving birth without a companion, or facing language and cultural barriers.
Program Curriculum
Who This Program Serves
Pregnant women without stable housing who need advocacy, resources, and consistent birth support.
Women navigating pregnancy while also navigating safety, who deserve trauma-informed, compassionate care.
Young women facing pregnancy who need additional support, education, and encouragement to thrive.
Black, Indigenous, and communities of color who face disproportionate rates of adverse birth outcomes and infant mortality.
Families for whom doula support would otherwise be financially out of reach, this program makes it accessible.
Women who face language and cultural barriers in the healthcare system, served by doulas from within their own communities.
Program Impact
Reduction in infant mortality and adverse birth outcomes in participating communities
Reduction in low birth weight and prematurity in at-risk pregnant women
Increased breastfeeding initiation rates and improved postpartum support
Trained community doulas serving their own neighborhoods with cultural competence and lived experience
Empowered mothers who understand their rights and are equipped to advocate for themselves and their babies
Stronger communities where birth is supported, celebrated, and returned to the hands of the people it belongs to
Join the Mission
Whether you want to train as a community doula, sponsor a participant, or partner with us to bring this program to your community, there is a place for you in this work. Maternal health equity begins with community.