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Institute for Community Health Innovation

Doula Expansion Initiative

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is committed to expanding the doula workforce in Arkansas through comprehensive trainings and partnerships.

Doulas are trained birth coaches who provide continuous emotional support, advocate for and aid informed decision-making during labor and deliver, assist with breastfeeding initiation and support, promote positive maternal mental health, and advocate for care within healthcare systems. Learn more by watching the video below.

UAMS Doula Patient Testimonial – Adela Osborn

Comprehensive Doula Training

Through our comprehensive training program, participants train with Ujima Maternity Network, Birthing Beyond, and UAMS to learn how to be a self-employed doula. Trainees learn essential caretaking and support skills, as well as skills to help manage self-employment.

Applications for our 2026 training program are now open – Apply Here.

Pregnant? Get Free Doula Support While Helping Train the Next Generation!

The Institute for Community Health Innovation is looking for expectant mothers in select Arkansas counties to receive free services from doulas-in-training.

The institute is seeking mothers who are expected to give birth before Dec. 1, 2025. Accepted mothers will receive the names of doulas-in-training to contact and select for free doula support during their pregnancy and after their baby is born. The doula trainees are not UAMS employees; however, they are partnered with a mentor as they gain experience and work toward certification.

Apply Here
Questions? Email us at Doula@uams.edu.