Maternal Health Equity Center
Maternal Health Equity Center
In partnership with Sisters Hospital, Calming Nature Doula Services & Center, a minority and woman-owned organization, has created the Doula Navigator Passport to Health Program, in the Sisters of Charity Hospital, Maternal Health Center. This initiative, is funded by the city of Buffalo, aims to enhance the quality of women’s health in our community.
Key Features of the Maternal Health Equity Center (MHEC):
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Support for High-Risk Pregnant Mothers: Focused assistance for those facing increased health challenges.
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Local Expertise: Services provided by NYS-credentialed doulas who understand our community’s unique needs.
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Addressing Disparities: A commitment to tackling social determinants of health and racial disparities, especially within the African American community.
Our goal is to improve health outcomes, reduce adverse birth outcomes, and decrease mortality and morbidity rates. MHEC is dedicated to ensuring that participants have access to vital resources that will empower them and their families.
Join us in this vital work to create healthier futures for mothers and children. For more information or to get involved, please reach out!
High-Risk Pregnancies:
Eligibility:
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Participant Eligibility:
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32 Weeks pregnant or less
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Must live in the city of Buffalo
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Must be considered high-risk during pregnancy due to medical conditions, socio-economic conditions, challenges with social determinants of health, or race, (particularly African American Women)
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Must be a patient of a Catholic Health provider, OBGYN or Midwife.
Expectations:
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Expectations:
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Attend scheduled prenatal appointments with Midwife or OBGYN
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Meet with Doula for minimum of 2 prenatal appointments
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Meet with Doula for minimum of 2 postpartum appointments
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Be comfortable having a student Doula in along with the primary Doula
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Participants will call the Doula when labor begins
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Must attend the childbirth education classes
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Centering model class, 4 classes, or a preferred class.
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*If participating in Buffalo’s Breastfeeding Sisters Peer support program, you must attend the breastfeeding class.
