Alternative to DBMS Program

Pettaway Pursuit Foundation's Doula By My Side (DBMS) Program originated to provide antepartum, birth, and postpartum doula services to vulnerable mothers and their families in a broader community. They are mothers who are medically high-risk and socially at-risk. The DBMS Program is currently serving the five counties of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester. The curriculum our doula use is Partnered for a Healthy Baby Home Visiting. 

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 and delivery 
• Postpartum 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 her bed-rest stay 
• Help to access community resources 
• 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 

• Minimal errands such as grocery,  
• pharmacy and laundry