Page 15 - Stuart Exposure - July '22

Stuart Exposure, Page 15

mEdiCaL mattErs

Local Women Train To Be families become the

Doulas Through Healthy strongest and most
confident versions
Start Coalition o f t h e m se l v e s
through support,
Twelve local women have completed training through education, and the
the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition to become bringing forth of
community-based doulas. a new life, I am
A doula is a trained nonmedical assistant who provides rewarded with the
physical, emotional and informational support to a mother knowing that this
before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The doula family has their
training program is designed to serve low-income, high- own superhe ro
risk women throughout their pregnancy and the birth story.”
process to improve pregnancy, maternal and infant health A second Doula
outcomes. Training Course will
“Doulas can make an enormous difference to mothers be offered later this
and babies, particularly for women who may not have summer. Community
other support available to them,” says Martin County members who want
Healthy Start Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich. “Because to participate in the
a doula is a member of the community, she can form a training or receive
strong bond with the mother in the weeks leading up doula services can Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s class of doulas: Front row: Gabbi Nahass, Ashlynn Parrotta,
to giving birth, making sure the expectant mother has contact Community Doula Trainer Darlean Thomas, Lucy Collazo, Tonya Brown, and Doula Program Coodinator Margo
everything she needs and is doing the right thing for Doula Program Keane. Back row: AnnMarie Dearman, Andrea Wallace, Sarah Mahoney, Caroline Van Dyke, Jazmyne
herself and her baby. A doula then stays with the mother Coordinator Margo Thompson, Miranda Alexander, Alma Bailey, and Hillary Cruz
through labor and is available during the crucial time after Keane at mkeane@
birth to help a mom with breast feeding and successful mchealthystart.org, (772) 463-2888, Ext. 145. fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers
bonding with her baby.” About Martin County Healthy Start legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their
The doula training program is funded through the Martin County Healthy Start is a nonprofit organization children.
Lichtenberger Family Charitable Fund and Ranieri Family dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition
Charitable Fund at The Community Foundation Martin – provides educational and health services to pregnant are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no
St. Lucie along with the Children’s Services Council of women, new mothers and their families at no cost, cost.
Martin County. particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late For more information about Martin County Healthy
National studies show the techniques used by doulas or no prenatal care. Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.
have a positive effect on the whole family and lead to Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects mchealthystart.org, call (772) 463-2888 or follow the
better birth outcomes. With doula support, women tend pregnant women and young mothers with essential organization on Facebook.
to need less medical intervention and their babies tend to services including prenatal care, home visitations by a
be born healthier than without this personal support. nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting
“Doulas do more than whisper a gentle reminder that education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper
you are doing well, remind you to breathe, and rub your pantry, and access to other community partner agencies
back,” said Anglica Fereshetian, one of the Healthy Start through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The
doulas and a childbirth educator. “Doulas remind their David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also
pregnant clients that they are superheroes! When I see new part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps

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