TFF’s Perinatal Advocacy and Labor Support (PALS) services provides Full Spectrum Doula Support for pregnant and parenting teens of color between the ages of 12 and 24.

WHO WE ARE

TFF’s PALS Coordinator and contracted birthworkers are trained in evidence-based models to advocate for a better birth for you wherever you choose to give birth.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is a Doula? 

A doula is an advocate, companion, and cheerleader. They are part of your village. Doulas complete special training but they are not medical staff. They assist you and your family before, during or after childbirth by providing physical assistance and emotional support.

How can a Doula support me?

A doula can provide continuous support during labor and allow your partner or other support people to get rest and recovery as well. They  can help you create a birth plan that outlines your ideal experience and help to amplify your voice with medical staff during labor and delivery.

Why would I want a Doula?

You are more likely to have a healthy birth and a healthy baby with the support of a doula. According to the Journal of Perinatal Education, doula-assisted mothers were four times (4X) less likely to have a low birth weight (LBW) baby, two times (2X) less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, and significantly more likely to begin breastfeeding.

When should I contact a Doula?

Ideally anytime between a positive pregnancy test and your last trimester (12-32 weeks into your pregnancy). However, if you’re outside of this timeframe, feel free to contact us and we can discuss how we can support you. 

What is Respite Support?

After you have your baby, a doula can help you in many ways. You and your doula can discuss together what would be the most helpful while you recover from birth and get to know your new baby.

Some ideas for how to use Respite Support include:

  • Infant care education
  • Assistance with infant feeding
  • Emotional support
  • Mother care
  • Developmental education and anticipatory guidance
  • Sleep strategies
  • Caring for baby while parents rest/sleep/shower
  • Sibling care and adjustment
  • Meal preparation
  • Light housekeeping
  • Errands
  • Guidance in prioritizing daily tasks

What other services do you offer?

We also offer virtual doula support, lactation support, placenta prints, maternity photos, and visual birth plans. Some of these additional services may cost a little extra, please talk to us if you’re interested and we will make a plan that is affordable for you.

Please complete our brief registration form, after which a member of our team will contact you to schedule an intake appointment within 3-5 business days.

Register for Perinatal Advocacy Services

Looking for more info before you register? Fill out our brief interest form, and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

Get More Information

We will not share identifying information with anyone outside of the Foundation without your permission.

Contribute to our Perinatal Advocacy and Labor Support (PALS) program

Your donation will go directly to support pregnant and parenting teens of color with access to reproductive education and support; nurturing guidance into parenthood that honors the teens and their stories; and doula care that encourages self-empowerment and amplifies the voices of young birthing people.

Your donation is safe and secure at GlobalGiving.