Mission

The Doula Access Initiative supports and expands access to positive experiences of birth, the postpartum period, and other family transitions through free doula care and support services. In establishing a funding source to offset the cost of the full spectrum of doula care, we increase doula access to all families with priority given to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Hispanic/Latinø, Immigrant/Refugee birthgivers. We provide a link between families and doulas in a way that trusts in the family’s wisdom and promotes autonomy. In alignment with Birth and Reproductive Justice movements, we work to remove barriers and reduce health disparities.

We Value

Inclusivity- We believe inclusion means recognition, acceptance, and proactive awareness of needs for people of all backgrounds. We promote inclusivity in all areas, including with regards to sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, ability, family composition and financial means.

Accessibility- We believe that everyone deserves doula care who desires it and that people from all backgrounds can become doulas. We promote financial and practical access to doula care.

Support for birthing people and their families- We aim to connect birthing people and their families to doulas who provide doula care through a wide range of support services, including education, emotional support, physical support, and referrals.

Reproductive justice- We believe everyone has the right to not only make their own decisions about their body, health, and sexuality, but also to access the quality care needed to do so.

Racial justice- We recognize that racial injustice negatively impacts all families and works to dismantle systemic racism and white supremacy.

Autonomy- We believe in the individual rights and autonomy of birthing persons and families, including the right to make choices about their body.

Informed Care- We are passionate about supporting birth and families through informed care and practices. We are proud that evidence shows doulas are important for many things in the birth and postpartum environment. We also recognize there are aspects of our work that are not strictly “evidence-based” but still have great value to our clients. We acknowledge the strengths and limitations of such studies. We acknowledge that the term “evidence-based” can be diminutive and perpetuates the erasure of many different cultures and wisdoms. 

Deep community relationships- We create strong collaborative relationships based in trust and mutual respect to better serve the community.

Our History

Doula Access Initiative is an actualized dream that came from a group of dedicated doulas in the Ithaca Doula Collective. In 2019, the Ithaca Doula Collective (IDC) launched the Doula Accessibility Fund.

IDC recognized that accessing doula care wasn't financially feasible for all families. The Doula Accessibility Fund served as the first step in promoting birth equity in Ithaca, Tompkins County, and Cortland County. Through nonprofit incorporation, the Doula Accessibility Fund became the “Doula Access Initiative” and we are eager to expand funding, focus and resources in order to better serve our community and reduce birth and health disparities.

An essential aspect of providing inclusive, culturally competent doula care is supporting and investing in doula training for people underrepresented in the local birth work community. DAI is committed to continued rigorous efforts to expand opportunities and our capacity to better engage in the Birth Justice and Reproductive Justice Movements.