Latona Giwa is co-founder of Birthmark Doula Collective. She studied Sociology and Women’s Studies at Grinnell College in Iowa. In New Orleans, she first worked as a Community Organizer in Central City, while she trained as a doula and childbirth educator. Her goal is to empower New Orleans women, especially low-income and marginalized women, to be empowered in their reproductive health choices. While working to expand Birthmark Doula Collective, she will also be studying to become a Nurse-Midwife.

Dana Keren is co-founder of Birthmark Doula Collective. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dana moved from the Midwest to New Orleans to participate in Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps. Dana is a trained doula and childbirth educator, and is passionate about women’s reproductive health throughout the lifespan. Currently, she works at the Tulane Community Health Center and is working towards her MBA at Tulane University.

The Opportunity/Challenge

Louisiana has one of the highest C-section rates in the nation and one of the worst breast feeding rates globally. Doulas have been shown to decrease C-section rates, shorten length of hospital stay, increase successful breastfeeding outcomes, and reduce rates of postpartum depression.

The Impact

400 families provided with Doula services, including 200 low- income receiving services for free through Birthmark’s one-to-one program.