Rhode Island Birth

09/28/2026

Our last training for the year ... register now:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedPbBUpgnLzagkTCDHHHsU1jizB3dU7gV7gLK3ML7KIV_h4Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103416909397614115647

09/27/2026

Yes! Both OBGYNs and midwives can take care of birthing people and babies with complications, both at home and in a hospital setting. Talk with your provider about how they provide care with complications, what emergency protocols they have in place and you get to choose where you feel safe and supported to birth your baby(s).

The Rhode Island resource directory has information about birthing in a hospital, at home, and more.

www.RhodeIslandBirth.com

Birth complications don’t automatically mean you needed an O.(B — they mean you needed a skilled provider.

Midwives are trained for hemorrhage, newborn resuscitation, and urgent situations, and they know exactly when a transfer is needed.

Safety isn’t about the building. It’s about who you hire to assist you.

09/18/2026

DOULA 101 | 01
Understanding Your Doula.
Understanding Your Village.

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, educational, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

A doula does not replace your healthcare team or your village.

A doula does not replace your doctor, midwife, nurse, or other healthcare professionals on your healthcare team.

And a doula does not replace the love and support of your family, partner, friends, or other people in your village.

We are another layer of support, working alongside your team and the people you love.

Key Ways a Doula Supports You
🤎 Emotional Support
We listen, encourage, reassure, and help you feel seen, heard, and supported.
🌸 Physical Support
We provide comfort measures, positioning, movement, breathing techniques, and other non-medical comfort strategies.
💜 Education & Informational Support
We provide education and evidence-based information to help you understand your options, prepare for birth and postpartum, and make informed decisions.
🌿 Resource Navigation
We help connect you with community resources, programs, services, and additional support when you need it.

Your doula is part of your village.

You don't have to choose between your doula and the people who support you.

Your village may include your partner, family, friends, healthcare providers, community, faith supports and your doula.

Help me spread the word😊

09/06/2026

Local community doula training next month!

09/06/2026

Local community doula training next month!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedPbBUpgnLzagkTCDHHHsU1jizB3dU7gV7gLK3ML7KIV_h4Q/viewform

07/13/2026

Sharing a local research opportunity:

Hola Doula Community,

We invite you to participate in our study exploring how doulas support immigrant or mixed-status (including refugee, undocumented, or asylum-seeking) families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Our doula and MPH student team is seeking doulas who have experience serving these populations to participate in a confidential 60-minute interview. We especially encourage bilingual and multilingual doulas to participate.

The purpose of this study is to better understand the uniquely powerful role doulas play in supporting families navigating cultural, linguistic, healthcare, and immigration-related challenges. Participants will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for their time.

If you are interested, please complete the screening survey as soon as possible: https://bit.ly/doula_research

The process is as follows:

1. Complete the screening survey (approximately 5–10 minutes): https://bit.ly/doula_research

2. If eligible, a member of the research team will contact you to schedule an interview and provide a consent form for your review.

3. Participate in a confidential 60-minute one-on-one interview via Zoom or phone at a time that is convenient for you.

Thank you for you consideration in sharing your experiences and expertise.

Sincerely,

Co-Investigators: Sara Castaneda, CPD, B.A. and Aidea Downie M.A.

* Mixed Status means family members with differing immigration statuses

07/08/2026

Summer doula training opportunity. This training is 5 days, full scholarship. This training is intentionally seeking BIRTH doulas to expand our workforce. Please contact or fill out the form.

06/24/2026

South County Health is consistantly providing events and educational seminars for the community. Come join us for our community engagement programs and…

06/22/2026

"Results: Birth plans were associated with a higher likelihood of normal vaginal delivery"

A birth plan is typically a 1-2 page document that you create and bring with you to your birthing location. Birth plans have been slowly become more accepted, and increase your likelihood of having a vaginal birth in a hospital setting. Alongside conversations with your midwife/OB/family medicine doc, it can be helpful to create this after taking a childbirth education class and during a meeting with your doula.

For planned and unplanned cesarean births, birth plans are excellent tools to communicate your wishes. It's still a birth and you still have options!

Know your options, know your rights:
www.RhodeIslandBirth.com

· Birth plans were associated with increased likelihood of vaginal delivery.. · Birth plan increased rates of early breastfeeding.. · The overall evidence suggests birth plans as a strategy to promote a more respectful childbirth..

06/09/2026

We are excited to partner with https://rhodeislandbirth.com/ to launch WATCH Peer Support Hub at Thundermist Health Center in Woonsocket!

Looking for support during pregnancy, postpartum, or your infant journey?

This welcoming, judgment free space offers FREE facilitated support groups where families can connect, learn, share experiences, and build community. Whether you're expecting, adjusting to life with a new baby, navigating breast feeding, or simply looking for support, you are welcome here.

ThunderMist Health Center
450 Clinton Street, Woonsocket, RI

Light refreshments will be provided through.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with expecting and new parents in our community. Every family deserves support. 💛

Registration is encouraged
Click below to register or scan the QR on the flyer:

https://rhodeislandbirth.com/peersupport