A program aimed at training Doulas is accepting new applications through the end of the month as the second cohort of the Dottapan Doula Fellowship Program — sponsored by the Codman Square Health Center, DotHouse Health, Mattapan Community Health Center, and Doulas of the Diaspora— aims at expanding access to culturally responsive pregnancy and postpartum support in Dorchester and Mattapan.
Launched last year, the fellowship combines learning, practice, and clinical integration. While doulas are non-medical professionals, they provide informational, emotional, and physical support before, during, and after pregnancy.
Last November, 11 new doulas graduated from the program, having completed their training and mentorship with Doulas of the Diaspora and supplemental instruction through Asian Women for Health, Center for Health Impact, and MASBIRT Technical Assistance and Training.
The fellows also received lactation-counselor training through the Healthy Children Project and were integrated into care teams at the three community health centers.
Now they will complete a one-year give-back period practicing with Doulas of the Diaspora, helping to build a sustainable, community-rooted doula workforce and strengthen equitable perinatal care across the two neighborhoods.
Anyone interested in joining the second cohort can apply at doulasofthediaspora.org/dottapanapplication by Jan . 31. Applicants will be notified of the decisions by the end of the day on Feb. 25. The fellowship will then run from March 23 through October 16.
