Community Doula Center
Donation protected
My name is Ashanti. I am the owner of Woman's Choice Perinatal Services / Woman's Choice Charitable Association (a 501 c 3 organization). I am a wearer of many hats in the world of birth work. I currently have a community doula program, that provides pregnancy support to families who otherwise could not afford it. There is also a heavy focus on Black families.
As a birth worker, I realize that I am often filling a very large gap for my clients. It's unfortunate that so many of my clients are feeling unsupported, uneducated, and/or uncared for by their medical providers.
My community doula program has served a small number of families so far, since launching back in June of 2020. However, the program has already made a huge impact in my community.
Unfortunately, I started this program on a small balance of funding which is now exhausted! While it may seem like a lot of money to run the program, it is a life saving program. It can help families avoid unnecessary interventions, cesareans, NICU time, and even demise. See what some of my community doula clients had to say about the program.
"Having access to services and program like this is essential for black women and statistics regarding black women and pregnancy speak to exactly why.
Having a support worker to educate and advocate for me throughout my pregnancy and even after birth made the world of a difference."
"Yes! I ABSOLUTLEY feel that this is a program worth organizations investing in!"
"Ashanti is so awesome at providing quality information, PLUS she is such a homey person. She made me and my husband feel like family. When ever I texted her, she never made me feel like a bother or silly for what I asked. She never made me feel uncomfortable with certain questions I asked, yet she encouraged all questions and concerns. This method of support is definitely a positive and effective way for soon to be mothers to have access to healthcare 24 hours."
"This program impacted my pregnancy and birth experience by allowing myself and family to see that we could be provided the same excellent care as other races. I never in a million years would have guessed I'd be using a doula for my next pregnancy. To be honest I didn't know what a doula was or if I could even afford one. Once I met Ashanti I KNEW that this was a journey I was willing to start. I am so glad I did. Like stated before, she was knowledgeable, informative, hands on, homey, loving, caring, efficient, and so much more. It made me a little sad that I didn't know about doula's for my previous pregnancies. Even though we had our son, Ashanti still checks on us with post-partum questions and visits. I feel like we built a long lasting friendship, and I plan on referring ANY EXPECTING MOM or just MOM I know, to her for questions and concerns. Her program is so needed in our community. I applaud her for her work ethic and commitment."
It is my goal to raise enough money to serve about 100 families this year. In raising this money to support these families, it also allows me to open up work opportunities to doulas within my program - as I cannot take on the load of all the clients alone.
As a birth worker, I realize that I am often filling a very large gap for my clients. It's unfortunate that so many of my clients are feeling unsupported, uneducated, and/or uncared for by their medical providers.
My community doula program has served a small number of families so far, since launching back in June of 2020. However, the program has already made a huge impact in my community.
Unfortunately, I started this program on a small balance of funding which is now exhausted! While it may seem like a lot of money to run the program, it is a life saving program. It can help families avoid unnecessary interventions, cesareans, NICU time, and even demise. See what some of my community doula clients had to say about the program.
"Having access to services and program like this is essential for black women and statistics regarding black women and pregnancy speak to exactly why.
Having a support worker to educate and advocate for me throughout my pregnancy and even after birth made the world of a difference."
"Yes! I ABSOLUTLEY feel that this is a program worth organizations investing in!"
"Ashanti is so awesome at providing quality information, PLUS she is such a homey person. She made me and my husband feel like family. When ever I texted her, she never made me feel like a bother or silly for what I asked. She never made me feel uncomfortable with certain questions I asked, yet she encouraged all questions and concerns. This method of support is definitely a positive and effective way for soon to be mothers to have access to healthcare 24 hours."
"This program impacted my pregnancy and birth experience by allowing myself and family to see that we could be provided the same excellent care as other races. I never in a million years would have guessed I'd be using a doula for my next pregnancy. To be honest I didn't know what a doula was or if I could even afford one. Once I met Ashanti I KNEW that this was a journey I was willing to start. I am so glad I did. Like stated before, she was knowledgeable, informative, hands on, homey, loving, caring, efficient, and so much more. It made me a little sad that I didn't know about doula's for my previous pregnancies. Even though we had our son, Ashanti still checks on us with post-partum questions and visits. I feel like we built a long lasting friendship, and I plan on referring ANY EXPECTING MOM or just MOM I know, to her for questions and concerns. Her program is so needed in our community. I applaud her for her work ethic and commitment."
It is my goal to raise enough money to serve about 100 families this year. In raising this money to support these families, it also allows me to open up work opportunities to doulas within my program - as I cannot take on the load of all the clients alone.
Organizer
Ashanti Rivera
Organizer
Waterbury, CT
