The Black Doulas of Columbia Collective is here to nurture birthing families and center birth workers.

We are a group of doulas that nurture families through birth. We connect them with doula support and resources in our community. We host and attend community events as a way to show up for our families. We are committed to hearing our families’ stories, doula awareness, advocacy and education. We want our families to have what they need in order to have healthy birth outcomes despite health disparities.

We seek to center birth workers through creating spaces to connect, collaborate and build community with fellow birth workers. We also provide professional development opportunities and events for doulas to grow and gain visibility. We want our birth workers to have everything they need to show up for our families and be the change in perinatal health.

Our hope is that through our efforts we make Columbia, SC a safer place to birth for Black families.

The CDC reports that Black birthers are 2-3 times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women.

At the Black Doulas of Columbia Collective, we are dedicated to centering the experiences of Black birthers and championing the vital role of doulas in maternal care. Our mission is to empower Black individuals and families throughout their birthing journey, advocate for equitable access to doula support, and foster a resilient and informed community.

We are committed to:

Centering Black Birthers: We prioritize the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Black birthers by providing culturally competent and compassionate doula care. We believe that every Black birther deserves to have a nurturing and affirming birth experience.

Advocating for Doula Support: We are tireless advocates for equitable access to doula services for Black individuals and families. We work to eliminate systemic barriers, such as racial disparities in maternal care, and strive to make doula support an integral part of the birthing process.

Community Awareness: We engage in community outreach and education to increase awareness about the invaluable role of doulas. Through workshops, seminars, and partnerships, we aim to empower our community with knowledge about the benefits of doula care and the importance of informed decision-making during childbirth.

Cultural Competence: We continuously educate ourselves on the unique cultural and historical aspects of Black birthing experiences to ensure our doula care is culturally sensitive and relevant. We respect and honor the diverse backgrounds and traditions of our clients.

Support and Solidarity: We foster a supportive network within the Black community, connecting birthers, doulas, and allies. Through solidarity, we promote mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Advocacy for Health Equity: We actively collaborate with community organizations to promote equitable healthcare practices and policies that prioritize Black maternal health.

  • As doulas, we provide informational, physical and emotional support, as well as advocacy during the birthing process. Doulas support you at your home or a hospital birth. We work in collaboration with you and your birth team. We help you create a birth plan, provide you with physical comfort measures throughout your labor, support your choices during your birth by making sure you have the information you need, and advocate for your dignity and agency during your birth.

    At Black Doulas of Columbia Collective, we also support active doulas in Columbia by offering a membership to our collective and offer training and mentorship to aspiring and new doulas in the birth space. For more information on our offerings, visit this page.

  • We believe that each pregnancy and birth is a transformative experience whether you have done it before or this is your first time. We also think that having support is an essential way to promote positive pregnancy and birthing experiences, especially for Black birthers. The Black Doulas of Columbia Collective provides support that centers on the experiences of Black birthers and championing the role of doulas in maternal care.

    Our philosophy includes the principle of informed consent. We recognize the ways that diverse communities continue to face challenges in accessing health care that respects their agency and decision making power. Your body and your baby is your own and we support you to make informed decisions every step of the way.

  • Our mission is to empower Black individuals and families throughout their birthing journey, advocate for equitable access to doula support, and foster a resilient and informed community. Additionally, our goal is to spread awareness about Black doulas being accessible in our city and aid in supporting our community as we combat health disparities in maternal health.