Photo by Kathleen Hinkel/Doula Keiona Johnson accompanies new moms during pregnancy and the early months of parenting.

Dominica* was 30 weeks pregnant when she discovered the doula services offered by Catholic Charities. As a first-time mom, she recognized she needed support during pregnancy, labor, and as a new parent. 

Starting in the last trimester of pregnancy and continuing for up to two months postpartum, the Doula Services team accompanies new moms between the ages of 13 and 30 as they prepare for the arrival of their baby. They attend prenatal appointments, develop a birth plan, help communicate with the medical team during delivery, and guide new moms in the first months of their child’s life. 

“I’m an advocate, and at the same time, I can also be a life coach or a birthing coach,” said Doula Keiona Johnson of how she works with new mothers. “I’m helping you advocate for yourself, and at the same time, I’m helping you feel empowered and confident.” 

Keiona equipped Dominica and her husband with the courage they needed. 

“She took the fear out of having a child,” Dominica said. “She made a difference in my outlook on pregnancy, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and care as a parent moving forward.” 

*Name changed for privacy