"A doula provides support consisting of praise, reassurance, measures to improve the comfort of the mother, physical contact such as rubbing the mother’s back and holding her hands, explanation of what is going on during labour and delivery and a constant friendly presence."
Care in Normal Birth: a Practical Guide. Report of a Technical Working Group. World Health Organization, 1996
WCELI - A Thrive Community
The White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI) is a partnership of community members and public and private organizations working to create sustainable, integrated and accessible child development and family support serices that respect the diverse cultures, strengths and needs of White Center families.
Funded by grants from Thrive by Five Washington and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the White Center Early Learning Initiative provides parents, childcare and early learning staff and caregivers with education and support to help ensure that all children in the community begin school ready to succeed.
The White Center Early Learning Initiative is one of two Thrive by Five Washington demonstration communities, which were created to demonstrate effective early learning services and systems for all children in Washington state.
How is Open Arms participating in WCELI?
Open Arms is participating in the Integrated Home Based Services Approach of WCELI in two ways:
• Developing and initiating an Outreach Doula project that provides training to community doulas so that they can continue to provide support to young families at home during the early years of life.
• Providing birth doula services to women having their first baby in the United States.
