Happy Mamas Growing Healthy Babies
COMMUNITY DOULA PROGRAM | CHILDBIRTH & POSTPARTUM DOULA TRAINING & CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
PERINATAL HEALTH EDUCATION TRAINING & CONSULTATION | CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Evidence-Based. Trauma-Informed. Celebrating Diversity. Promoting Social Justice.
Our Healthcare Partners



WE ACCEPT PPO INSURANCE FROM KAISER AND LA CARE/COVERED CALIFORNIA

We are a proud to be a program of Heluna Health working to improve health outcomes for all mothers and infants along with other community doula programs throughout California.
Donate to this program.
Pay for Parent Support Services
OUR COMMUNITY DOULA PROGRAM CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS
We support all birthing persons, regardless of their ability to pay, because we believe EVERY family deserves a Doula!
We accept Medi-Cal, and offer sliding-scale fees for our services for those without insurance coverage for Doula care.
SERVICIOS EN ESPANOL:
Para recomendar a alguien o inscribirse, complete nuestra Solicitud Para Padres de Servicios de acompañantes durante el parto (Doula) y Lactancia, o llame a Damaris Ortega
at (626) 388-2191 ext. 2 o envíe un correo electrónico a: Damaris.Ortega@motherbabysupport.net
Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” (Rob Siltanen)
Statement on Equity, Diversity and Anti-Racism from our Board Chair, Tosin A. Atolagbe
Read Our Volunteer: Chairman of the Board, Chief Operating Officer Tosin Atolagbe’s Biography
WHAT IS A DOULA?
A Doula (/ˈduːlə/; from Ancient Greek δούλα ‘female servant’; Greek pronunciation: [ˈðula]) is a non-medical professional who provides health education, guidance, emotional support, physical comfort, and advocacy to childbearing persons during pregnancy and childbirth and the immediate postpartum period. Full-Spectrum Doulas also provide emotional support for women experiencing abortion and miscarriage and infant loss.
OUR ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY
Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance (HMHBA), a DBA, debuted in 2020, as a DBA of Wholistic Midwifery School of Southern California, which was established in 1993 by a childbirth educator
and two midwives in Southern California. HMHBA headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA, and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity 509(a)(2). We are a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) registered in Ghana, West Africa and South Africa.
In 2020, the organization developed a new strategic plan that includes integrating the latest evidence-based, trauma-informed maternal and infant mental health information into its training and community-based programs. This plan highlights the importance of maternal-parental wellness on child mental and physical health.
WHO WE SERVE
We support all birthing persons, regardless of their ability to pay, because we believe EVERY family deserves a Doula. Building trusting relationships with the community members we serve is our utmost priority.
We accept Medi-Cal from Molina, LA Care, Kaiser Permanente, and more. We offer PPO insurance through Kaiser and LA Care. For persons who do not have insurance or Medi-Cal, we offer competitive rates and offer sliding scale fees for those who qualify.
WHY WE EXIST: CRISIS IN U.S. MATERNITY CARE
At this moment, a Black baby is entering this world too small and too soon… increasing the risk of him dying before he turns one.
Black women have the highest rate of cesarean section in the United States. At this moment, a woman is being wheeled into surgery for a repeat C-Section… for this mother, it’s surgery that carries unnecessary risk of dying, leaving a father to raise a child alone.
By donating, volunteering or partnering with us, you can equip parents-to-be to create their perfect birthing environment, assisted by a Doula–a professional labor companion. You can end health disparities in maternal and infant health. 
You see, the medical care system is failing black women and other women of color. Black, Indigenous/Native, Asian and Latina women are dying during pregnancy and childbirth four to five times as often as White women. Black and Indigenous babies are dying two to three times more often than White babies. Moreover, respectful treatment during maternity care is increasingly recognized as a human rights issue.
RATIONALE FOR OUR WORK
HMHBA has a special focus on communities of color as they often face poorer birth outcomes than Caucasian Americans, due to structural racism and implicit biases of healthcare providers. Unfortunately, in America, these disparities exist among African-Americans regardless of socioeconomic and educational attainment status. These poor maternal and infant health outcomes include higher rates of cesarean section, maternal mortality, premature birth, low birth weight, infant mortality, and lower rates of breastfeeding. Disparities in maternal depression and other perinatal mood disorders are also higher among women of color during the perinatal period. Midwives, The Midwifery Model of Care and Doula Support are evidence-based interventions that have been shown to result in better outcomes for childbearing persons and their infants. Yet, they are under-funded and under-utilized resources which can make a significant difference in improving perinatal outcomes globally and locally. Furthermore, by developing policies and programs that incorporate Doulas and Midwives, health care expenditures could be greatly reduced
OUR MISSION
To promote high-quality, family-centered, evidence-based, respectful maternity and newborn care and improved health outcomes for all childbearing persons and their babies, with a special emphasis on communities of color who too often in America, experience poor birth outcomes such as maternal and infant death. Our mission is rooted in equity, dignity, and the belief that every birth deserves respect, and every family deserves to thrive.
OUR GOAL
HMHBA’s goal is to promote and work to improve the birth outcomes of all women, birthing persons and their infants in all communities, locally and globally. By building a supportive network for mothers, fathers, and newborns, we’re laying the foundation for healthier communities and brighter futures.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
- As advocates for families and babies, we seek to ensure that all childbearing persons are treated with dignity and respect during pregnancy and childbirth.
- We advocate for a self-growth mindset during pregnancy, which is a unique and special time in an individual’s life.
- We believe each pregnant woman or person should be surrounded by a loving and supportive community and each baby should be born into the hands of skilled, compassionate and respectful caregivers.
- We protect the Mother/Baby dyad whose needs are mutually dependent.
- We are reverent of the sacred nature of birth and are inspired by its potential to transform women, relationships, families, and communities.
- We strive to improve birth outcomes for women and infants where perinatal health disparities and inequities exist.
- We aim to improve the quality of maternity and newborn care in all settings by promoting respectful, evidence-based care and informed consent and refusal.
- We are dedicated to helping families have empowering, satisfying and joyous experiences from conception through gestation, childbirth, and early parenthood..
WHAT CAN BE DONE
Increasing the number of Black, Indigenous, Asian and Latina Doulas and Midwives is crucial in addressing maternal deaths and prematurity among BIPOC childbearing persons. You can support our organization by donating, volunteering, or partnering with us to provide funding and support for the education and training of Doulas and Midwives of color. You can make a donation to support our Student Midwife of Color Scholarship Program providing funding for midwifery education such as books, tuition and licensing fees.
Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing preventable childbirth complications and deaths among BIPOC childbearing individuals. Your help is crucial in achieving this goal. Let’s join hands and work towards a safer and healthier future for all families everywhere.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean–a joyful moment (Photo by Monet Moultrie)
OUR WORK
- Training, Certification and Continuing Education Programs for Professionals
- Childbirth Doula and Postpartum Doula Services
- Breastfeeding Support Services
- Promoting Maternal Mental Health and Infant Mental Health
- Engendering Birthing Justice for All Childbearing Persons
- Amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous and other persons of color and LBGTQIA+ persons about their experiences in maternity care.
OUR VALUES
Our programs and trainings are evidence-based, trauma-informed, celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion and promote social justice and equity and human rights.
- Informed consent and refusal in maternity care is not only responsible and ethical but also leads to improved self-esteem, better bonding with babies, and reduced maternal depression.
- Alternative choices in childbirth, such as homebirth, waterbirth, birth centers, and midwife-assisted birth, along with Doula support, are evidence-based solutions that can help address long-standing perinatal health disparities. These options should be funded and encouraged for those who are good candidates for this type of care.
- Physiological childbirth is the best approach–it’s natural and normal, and results in healthy outcomes for mothers and infants.

- Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mothers and children. It not only provides long-term protection and improvement of maternal and infant health but is also environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is recommended to implement programs that support exclusive breastfeeding.
- Awareness of spiritual and emotional aspects of birthing is valuable for birthing persons and their care-providers to address in maternity care.
- Historical traumas and injustices in women’s health care among BIPOC persons has a lasting impact on birth outcomes; as such, maternity care providers should understand these influences on birth outcomes and strive to provide respectful and culturally sensitive care for birthing persons.
- Awareness of the influence of the woman’s social environment on pregnancy, birthing, and breastfeeding through a biopsychosocial framework should be modeled in all perinatal programs.
- Partner involvement is essential in maternity care, the birthing process and during the child’s early life. Fathers and partners should be supported as much as mothers and birthing persons.
- Complimentary modalities for pregnancy and childbirth such as massage therapy, Reiki, acupuncture, chiropractic, herbology, have benefits to pregnant women and should be integrated into OB/GYN care.
- Attachment parenting practices are crucial for the normal development of children and have a far-reaching impact on their life course. Therefore, promoting parental-child secure attachment is essential.
OUR PROGRAMS
Our Community Doula program is dedicated to improving the health outcomes of all mothers and infants, celebrating diversity, and promoting social justice in maternal health. We believe that every family deserves a doula, regardless of their ability to pay. By
increasing the number of doulas and midwives of color, we can address maternal deaths and prematurity among BIPOC childbearing persons. Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing preventable childbirth complications and deaths among BIPOC childbearing individuals. Join us in working towards a safer and healthier future for all.
Our Community Doula Program, established in 2010, was one of the first to provide doula support specifically for low-income families in Los Angeles County. Our mission is to provide perinatal education and support to mostly low-income, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx pregnant persons who often experience poor birth outcomes compared to White/Caucasian birthing persons. Our team of Doulas reflects the diverse cultures of the communities we serve, including Black-African-American, Latinx, Native American-Indigenous, and LBGTQIA+ individuals. We speak multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, and various African languages.
Our Community Doula Program provides support to all families during childbirth and postpartum care. We believe that every family should have access to a professional childbirth companion, regardless of their income. We offer services on a sliding scale, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Families who are facing financial hardships can still receive high-quality care by giving a love offering. On the other hand, families who can afford our services are encouraged to “pay it forward” so that another family can receive doula support. We accept Medi-Cal. Plans include Kaiser, Molina and LA Care, and we are adding others soon. We accept PPO Insurance for Kaiser and LA Care as well.
Doula Apprenticeship Program
A great opportunity for new grad doulas to obtain mentorship by working with more experienced doulas, while learning the “tricks of the trade” and gaining experiences needed for certification. We offer unpaid, volunteer apprenticeships for both birth and postpartum doulas. Contact us for more information.
International Programs: Doula Mission of Service to Africa to End Obstetrical Violence

First cohort graduates of Community Doula Training in South Africa, 2025 (Mama Bamba)
In this program, we will be taking a delegation of American birth workers to Pretoria, South Africa to provide Doula services and conduct Doula trainings and educate doctors, nurses and midwives on the importance of respectful maternity care. Doulas and Midwives who are interested in volunteering are invited to contact us for more information.
Our next Community Doula Training will be held in Pretoria, South Africa on April 10, 18, 25, 2026.
For more information on our Africa programs, contact:
For Doula Services and Training Opportunities in South Africa, Contact:
Ms. Moora Letsoalo, CD, Phone/WhatsApp: +27 72 146 7117 Email
African Continent Director:
Mr. F. Kennedy Kattah, BS, Phone/WhatsApp: +233-244-8015-21 Email
SERVICES OFFERED
Our organization has been a leading provider of training for the mental health and social service workforce in Los Angeles County who serve mothers, infants, and children since 2010. We have successfully trained over 350 individuals to work as perinatal health educators, birth and postpartum doulas, and breastfeeding peer counselors. The professionals who attend our trainings have gained enhanced abilities to work effectively with perinatal populations in health and human services settings, as well as in private practice.
We also offer support for persons entering the Doula profession or for students interested in careers in maternal-child health including:
- Becoming a Midwife Consultations
- New Graduate Doula Volunteer Apprenticeship Program
- Internships for high school and college students

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT
We provide networking and CEU learning opportunities for Midwives, Nurses, Physicians, Doulas, Childbirth Educators, and Mental Health Professionals. We also provide technical support, consultation, staff training and partnerships with hospitals, health plan HMOs, health departments and ministries of health, community clinics, Federally -Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and health and human service agencies to integrate community-based doulas, childbirth education, The Midwifery Model of Care, and lactation support into their perinatal services.
We offer specialized technical support and consultations to a wide range of healthcare organizations, including non-profit agencies, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community clinics, physician offices, and maternal-child health programs, as well as to health plans and hospitals. Our services are particularly beneficial for those aiming to initiate Community Doula Programs or seeking assistance with their existing Comprehensive Perinatal Services Programs (CPSP) or Prenatal services. Our support encompasses developing protocols, conducting health education classes, performing chart audits, and providing in-service training for staff on non-pharmacological approaches to pain management, providing respectful care during maternity care, and more. Our professional training courses are based on psychologist George Engel’s biopsychosocial framework which is touted by leading doctors and health researchers such as Dr. Gabor Mate, MD, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D., Dr. Sarah Buckley, MD, and Dr. James McKenna, Ph. D. and Dr. Nils Bergman, MD, among others, as a “new paradigm” in client-centered maternal-infant healthcare delivery.
Certification Programs Offered include:
- Community Birth Doula Training & Certification Program
- Childbirth Educator Training Certification Program
- Heart and Hands Postpartum Doula Training and Certification
- Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training & Certification
- Online, Self-Paced Courses
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Birthing Justice Forum, Los Angeles, 2017. Photo by Ani Tsourian
Our events provide opportunities for professional networking, sharing and cross-disciplinary collaboration and understanding, bridging the gap between midwifery, doula care and medicine. We do this through hosting conferences and webinars on topics related to maternal health. We offer CEUs for nurses, doulas and childbirth educators.
- Webinars and Conferences and Symposiums
- The Mother-Friendly Childbirth Symposium
- The Birthing Justice Forum and Annual Maternal-Child Health Advocate Awards Recognition
- Film screenings & discussions, seminars
Speakers at our conferences have included leading perinatal professionals:
- Dr. Nicole Warren, CNM, RN, MPH, Ph.D., Nurse-Midwife, Professor of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, expert in Research on Female Genital Cutting
- Dr. Robbie Davis-Floyd, Ph.D., Cultural and Medical Anthropologist, from the University of TX-Austin, author of Birth As An American Rite of Passage
- Dr. Christine Morton, Ph.D., Medical Sociologist from Stanford University, a researcher on Doula Support.
- Dr. Sarah Buckley, MD, researcher and author of Undisturbed Birth, about the hormonal blueprint for safe and satisfying childbirth.
- Dr. Julia Chinyere Oparah, a Sociology researcher at Mills College, author of #BattlingOverBirth, a human rights report and social media campaign based on a five-year-long participatory action research project about Black women’s experiences of pregnancy and childbirth in California.
COMMUNITY PERINATAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

Philosophy of Education
We believe expectant parents have the right to make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy, birth, postpartum and newborn experience based on knowledge of all options available. Parents and their babies also have the right to be treated with dignity and respect by their healthcare providers.
Classes and services we offer include:
- Childbirth education for expectant parents and Sibling Preparation Classes (Spanish and English).
- Private, One-on-One Childbirth Preparation Classes (Refresher class for experienced parents & first-time parents.
- New Mothers’ Support Groups (Spanish & English)
- Fatherhood Support Sessions
- Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga Workshops
- Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program providing lactation support
- Birth Options Consultations and Pre-Conception Counseling
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: PAST AND PRESENT
If you are an agency with concern for the health of pregnant persons and their infants and want to partner with us, please reach out to us.
Martin Luther King Medical Center Prenatal Care Program
Los Angeles County General Hospital Nurse-Midwifery Program
MAMA’s Neighborhood a Program of LACDHS
LA Care Generating Support for African American Infants and Nurturer’s Program

Birth workers united in prayer at Birthing Justice Forum, Los Angeles, California, 2017. Photo by Ani Tsourian
Noblequest Healthcare Foundation
Scripps PowerMom Digital Research Project
Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAPCare)
Esperanza Community Housing Corporation
Nile Sisters Development Initiative
Wellnest Emotional Health and Wellness
Pasadena Public Health Department Black Infant Health Program
California Latinas for Reproductive Justice
California Nurse-Midwives Association
Human Services Organization of Faribault & Martin Counties (Blue Earth, MN)
Fremont County Breastfeeding Coalition (Canon, CO)
BELIEVE IN OUR MISSION?
SUPPORT OUR WORK – MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
HAPPY MAMA HEALTHY BABY ALLIANCE is a DBA of Wholistic Midwifery School of Southern California, a public charity. We are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Contributions to our organization are tax-deductible under Section 170 of the code. We are qualified to receive tax-deductible requests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the code.

Want to Learn More Before You Donate? Check us out on Guidestar. Our EIN is: 95-445-1418
Donate on GiveButter or use the QR Code below.
Or, text HMHBA to 53-555. We support all mothers, regardless of their ability to pay, because we believe EVERY family deserves a Doula!
















