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.

WHAT SERVICES WE OFFER

Our team of Birthworkers (also known as Doulas) provide pregnant and parenting teens of color  like you with

  • Full Spectrum Doula Support that includes care throughout your pregnancy with visits before and after the baby is born (perinatal and postpartum), birthing plans and comfort measures, health education, and even hold your baby or do your dishes while you rest after you give birth (respite support).
     
  • Evidence-based resources that honor your birthing experience, voice, and stories no matter where you are on your parenting journey.

Meet Our Doulas

Domonique Brace,
PALS Coordinator

Shardé Burton,
Birth Doula

Montreise Giles,
Birth + Postpartum Doula

WHERE TO FIND OUR SERVICES

  • In-person visits at The Firecracker Foundation. 
  • In-person visits in your home. 
  • In-person visit in the community
  • Online visits via Zoom. 

MINORS SEEKING DOULA SERVICES

If you are 14 – 17 years old, you may request doula support services without parental/guardian consent or knowledge, under Michigan law.

Read more about Michigan Confidentiality + Minor Consent Laws.

 

HOW TO GET STARTED

If you need help completing the PALS Inquiry Form, email: dbrace@thefirecrackerfoundation.org

  • Include your name, phone number + best times to call.
  • If you are eligible:
    • The PALS Coordinator will contact you within 3-5 business days to schedule an intake session via phone. 
    • After the intake session, the Coordinator will provide a registration link to gather important information. 
    • You will be matched with a Doula who will follow up with you to start services.
  • If you are not eligible:
    • The PALS Coordinator will share community resources and referrals. [OR: will connect you with other people in the community who can help you with your specific needs. 
Frequently Asked Questions
Childbirth Education

COST

Service providers and legal guardians can refer children who do not have medical insurance, cannot afford their copay, or are ineligible for therapeutic services through other community programs.

As of 2023, all clients will be charged an Annual Membership Fee of $25 to participate in TFF’s programs. Membership fees can be paid in partial payments with the full amount due within 90 days of a client’s first session. All other services are fee-based and offered on a sliding scale.

Please click here for more information on our Membership Fee and Sliding Scale Payment Model.

Annual Membership Fee

  • $25

Full Spectrum Doula Care 

  • $0 – 300
  • $300 – 600
  • $600 – 900

Post-Partum Doula Care

  • $0 – 15
  • $15 – $30
  • $30 – $60

Full Spectrum Doula Support
We offer more than labor support. TFF doulas are by your side before and after your baby is born. 

Your doula(s) will provide:

  • 2 prenatal visits before your birth 
  • Help creating your Birth Plan
  • Access to our lending library of educational resources 
  • Continuous support throughout your pregnancy and during the postpartum period 
  • Unlimited support via phone, text, or email
  • Continuous support at your birth, during labor and delivery
  • Postpartum Visits in your home 
  • Initial Breastfeeding Support 

Optional Services include: 

  • On location or virtual support during prenatal appointments with your medical provider(s)
  • Virtual Doula Support 
  • Placenta Prints
  • Maternity Photos 
  • Visual Birth Plan

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.