The Postpartum Doula Program currently serves Immigrant, Refugee or African American/Black (non-immigrant or refugee) communities.

Required Criteria (must meet these requirements):

Medicaid, WIC, Public Health Nursing (PHN) or DSHS benefits recipient
King County or Peirce County Resident
Immigrant or Refugee or African American/Black (non-immigrant or refugee)
Child is between a newborn and up to 6 months old

Additional Criteria (does not have to meet all):

Domestic Violence victims
Limited to No additional family support

What language(s) are available?

Somali
Amharic

Tigrinya
Arabic
Oromo
Spanish
Dari
Farsi
Pashto
English

What are Postpartum Doula Services?

Meeting with you after your baby is born to learn more about you and discuss your plan of postpartum care and support.
Helping you right after the baby is born, including assisting with baby feeding, folding baby clothes, organizing baby items, washing baby bottles (if any), etc.
Being available to you via phone/email when you have questions and/or concerns
Coming to your house or meeting you in a comfortable setting.
Staying with you and helping you with breastfeeding techniques,positioning, comfort, and encouragement, as necessary.
Providing support and answering questions you may have about newborn care and breastfeeding.
Helping you access resources or referring you to Global Perinatal Program Coordinator for further help as you need it.

How are Postpartum Doulas matched?
Pregnant individuals will be matched based on language, religious, ethnic and/or personal preferences.

How long are services for the Postpartum Doula program?
Postpartum Doulas will provide up to 20 hours of Postpartum support within 6 weeks of matching with a Postpartum Doula. Prior to receiving services, the Postpartum Doula will contact you about creating a schedule of visits.

Where will visits take place?

GPS Postpartum Doulas typically provide home visits.

How much does it cost?
All doula services are free of charge to those who meet the required criteria. Medicaid information (ex. Provider One # and/or Member ID #) will be collected but GPS will NOT bill or charge your insurance.

Please Note: Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and DO NOT perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring; they do not diagnose medical conditions; offer their second opinions or give medical advice. Most importantly, postpartum doulas do not make decisions for their clients; they do not project their own values and goals onto you or your family.

If you are able to make a donation to support our GPS, we would greatly appreciate it!