Helping those in need

Together we can make a difference.

Help us to make the “Birth Experience Better” for all people, one family at a time
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Our Mission

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The Doula Lab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, advocating for, and empowering all birthing individuals, regardless of race, gender, or financial background. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support through detailed classes on pregnancy, labor, postpartum care, lactation, newborn care, nutrition, CPR, and more, ensuring that the entire support system is included. We aim to fully explain the physical and emotional processes of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, while also addressing potential complications. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on mental health, recognizing its critical role in maternal well-being.
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Doula Lab Awarded $400,000 Grant to Expand Doula Services in Metro East

We are excited to share that Doula Lab Pregnancy Resource Center has been awarded a $400,000 grant, thanks to the leadership and advocacy of State Senator Christopher Belt. This funding marks a significant step forward in improving maternal health equity and expanding community-based doula services in Belleville and the Metro East region.
With this investment, Doula Lab will:
✔ Train and certify over 20 new doulas to provide critical pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support.
✔ Expand reproductive health education and resources for families.
✔ Enhance access to culturally competent and community-centered maternal care.
Senator Belt has been a champion for maternal and infant health, recognizing the life-changing impact of doulas in reducing health disparities and ensuring individuals receive the support and respect they deserve during pregnancy and childbirth. This grant, awarded through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Office of Women’s Health & Family Services, will allow us to make meaningful strides in addressing maternal and infant health outcomes in our community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Belt for his dedication to maternal health advocacy and to the Illinois Department of Public Health for investing in our mission. Together, we are building a future where every family has access to the care, education, and support they need to thrive.
Stay connected for updates on our expanded programs and training opportunities!
Read more about this initiative here.
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The Doula Lab Awarded $22,000 Grant from the American Heart Association!

We are thrilled to announce that The Doula Lab has been awarded a $22,000 grant from the American Heart Association’s Empowering Missouri Community Impact Grants program! This incredible funding will allow us to expand our efforts in maternal and infant health, equipping doulas with essential skills to better serve families in our community.
With this generous support, we will:
✅ Provide CPR and life-saving emergency training for doulas to improve birth outcomes and infant safety.
✅ Offer educational workshops on cardiovascular health for expectant mothers, helping reduce maternal health disparities.
✅ Enhance our community outreach programs to support families with evidence-based care and resources.
We are deeply grateful to the American Heart Association for recognizing the importance of doulas in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Together, we are making a difference—one birth, one family, and one community at a time!
Stay tuned for updates as we put this funding to work! 💜 #DoulaLab #AHA #MaternalHealth #CPRTraining #HealthyMomsHealthyBabies
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THE 2ND ANNUAL DOULA COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER

I poured my heart and soul into making this event a reality, two years in a row. When they say, "You're just a doula," remember this: all you need is a vision and to believe in yourself, and you will change the world.
The 2nd Annual Doula Community Baby Shower on 10/10/21 was a room full of Black excellence—birthworkers and local Black businesses united by the same mission. Stay tuned! The 3rd Annual is in the works, with a bigger venue, more resources, and even more birthworkers! We are changing the world, one birth at a time.
#GetYouADoulaSis #NationalBlackDoulasAssociationMember #BlackBirthMatters #BlackLivesMatter

Meet Our Team
 

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Charity Bean, CMA, CFSD,CHW,SPM

President/ CEO
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Marvela Ying-Clayburne, BS,CD,CBE

Treasurer/ Co-Facilitator  
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Charisse Montgomery- BS, CHWc, CPRS, LC,CPST,CIMI
Certified Birth Doula & Owner of Black Butterfly Doula

Secretary/ Co-facilitator
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Talia- Nurse/Midwife
Board Member/ Co-facilitator
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Dr. Adriena Beatty, OB/GYN

Board Member/ Co-facilitator
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Kyra L. Betts

Director of Special Projets!
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Photographer, Makeup artist, Stylist: Queen Esther's Artistry. Booking Site https://www.queenesthersartistry.com/

Illinois Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Overview

 
  • 88 women die annually while pregnant or within one year postpartum.
  • 91% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
  • Pregnancy-related deaths increased by 40% from 2015-2017 to 2018-2020.
  • Substance use disorder is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths.
  • 1 in 3 deaths occur more than two months postpartum.
  • Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women.
  • Discrimination was a contributing factor in 2 out of 5 deaths, disproportionately affecting Black women.
  • High-poverty areas experience higher maternal death rates than low-poverty areas.
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Photo Credit: Queen Esther's Artistry
Book with Queen Esther Learn More on Illinois Statics

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