Doula By My Side Program and Services

Pettaway Pursuit Foundation's Doula By My Side (DBMS) Program is considered to be PPF’s cornerstone program which provides doula services in the Greater Philadelphia area. We provide specialized services to birthing families who are socially and physically vulnerable and sensitive during the perinatal period. Our doulas are trained in the social determinants of health to educate their clients with the importance of advocating for their own reproductive and birth justices. This place our doulas in a strong supportive role to serve birthing families in moments of need. Those we serve may have a history of preterm births, behavioral health needs, lack family support, or be adversely affected by their socioeconomic status.

A PPF Doula* is a trained professional in maternal health who offers you: 

*A doula does not take the place of your OB/GYN. 

1. Once-a-week prenatal home visit (choice of virtual during a pandemic) 
2. Attend authorized births 
3. Once-a-week postpartum home visit (choice of virtual during a pandemic) 

DBMS Program Goals:  

To impact and reduce outcomes related to: 

• Infant and maternal mortality and morbidity 
• Low birth weights among infants 
• Incidences of pregnancy-related complications 
• Rate of postpartum depression after birth through education and support. 

To educate and encourage mothers to:  

• Commit to attending their OB/GYN visits 
• Decrease smoking through education. 
• Breastfeeding rates through education, breastfeeding support groups, and certified lactation counselors 

To improve birth outcomes by preventing preterm births through education and intervention. 

To be able to provide doula services to every woman who wants it.  

We offer Education on: 

• Childbirth Education 
• Newborn Care Education 
• Evidence-based breastfeeding and pumping 
• Proper nutrition along with meal preparation 
• Issues related to successful full-term delivery and healthy fetus 
• Labor & Delivery 
• Perinatal Mood Disorders 
• Breathing Techniques  
• Relaxation Techniques 
• Safe Sleep 
• Proper Car Seat Installation 

We offer Support on: 

• Non-medical support 
• Non-judgmental emotional support and counseling  
• Companionship during required bed-rest stay 
• Help to access community resources 
• Accompany with doctor appointments when needed
• Collaboration with Nurse Care Managers for additional services
• Collaboration with Behavioral Health or Social Care Managers for additional services 
• Attending Births
• Support to you and your family to prepare for the birth of a new baby 
• Education on what to expect during pregnancy, labor, and delivery 
• Support during labor and delivery 
• Help to schedule and get ready for prenatal visits 
• Trauma-Informed Care 
• Assistance with household organization 
• Strategic planning for stress relief  

Collaboration with Care Managers, Behavioral Health, or Social Care managers for additional support and services 

Additional Services 

• Simple errands such as: 
  • Grocery/WIC pickup
  • Pharmacy pick up 
  • Emergency laundry assistance