Little Rock, AR — (Contributed) — July 18, 2025 — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation is looking for expectant mothers in 41 Arkansas counties to receive free services from doulas-in-training.
The institute is seeking mothers who are expected to give birth before Dec. 1. 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.
“We’re thrilled to provide enhanced support for expectant mothers while giving our doula trainees the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience,” said Krista Langston, the institute’s executive director of community programs. “Through this work, our trainees will help their clients make informed choices, reduce stress and build healthier habits for a smoother pregnancy and birth experience.”
The institute launched its enhanced doula training program earlier this year, enrolling more than 60 trainees from across the state who will receive doula certification upon program completion later this year. The training program includes 29 hours of training with Birthing Beyond, LLC, an approved DONA International certification program; 40 hours of training with Ujima Maternity Network of Conway; 45 hours of Certified Breastfeeding Counselor training; and six months of mentorship.
Doulas are trained birth coaches who provide continuous emotional and physical support throughout labor and delivery. Research shows that incorporating doula support into maternal care significantly improves birth outcomes, including lower rates of interventions like cesarean sections and preterm births, while enhancing maternal satisfaction, infant health and parental engagement. Additionally, doula-assisted care is linked to reduced maternal and infant mortality, decreased postpartum depression and more benefits.
The Doula Expansion Initiative is part of the institute’s strategy to improve maternal and child health outcomes across Arkansas. The institute also offers group prenatal care, case management, care coordination and other services in select regions of the state.
Expectant mothers living in any of the following counties who are interested in receiving free support from a doula-in-training can learn more by clicking here or emailing communityhealth@uams.edu.
- Craighead
- Greene
- Crittenden
- Poinsett
- Randolph
- Jackson
- Lawrence
- St. Francis
- Cleburne
- White
- Pulaski
- Saline
- Faulker
- Conway
- Lonoke
- Garland
- Arkansas
- Jefferson
- Desha
- Ashley
- Monroe
- Drew
- Grant
- Chicot
- Lincoln
- Cleveland
- Lee
- Phillips
- Benton
- Boone
- Carroll
- Madison
- Newton
- Washington
- Yell
- Pope
- Johnson
- Franklin
- Hot Spring
- Clark