doulas


February 10, 2026

UAMS Enrolls 25 Doula Trainees from 14 Arkansas Counties in Latest Class

David Wise

Doula speaking to a pregnant woman outside the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation will train at least 25 doulas in 2026 after enrolling its latest class of trainees in January. The institute launched its comprehensive doula training program in 2025 in partnership with Ujima Maternity Network and Birthing Beyond, enrolling more than…


January 30, 2026

UAMS, Ujima Celebrate Graduation of First Doula Class

David Wise

A newly graduated doula receives her certificate at a graduation event.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation and Ujima Maternity Network recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of their comprehensive, joint doula certification program, recognizing more than 40 doulas who have received certification through the program.


July 16, 2025

Expectant Mothers Throughout State Needed for Doula Training

David Wise

A doula and a pregnant women practice breathing exercises

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation is looking for expectant mothers in 41 Arkansas counties to receive free services from doulas-in-training. The institute is seeking mothers who are expected to give birth before Dec. 1. Accepted mothers will receive the names of doulas-in-training to contact…


February 26, 2025

UAMS Accepting More Applicants for Doula Scholarship Amid Passage of Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act

David Wise

Nicole Fletcher with Ujima conducts a doula training session.

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), through its Institute for Community Health Innovation, is seeking more applicants to its doula scholarship program amid the state’s passage of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, which paves the way for Medicaid reimbursement for doula care. Gov. Sarah Sanders signed the act into…


January 7, 2025

UAMS, Partners Offer Comprehensive Doula Training

David Wise

Doula speaking to a pregnant woman

Accepting Scholarship Applications Now LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation will train 80 doulas over the next year through a comprehensive program administered by the institute and other partners, including Ujima Maternity Network and Birthing Beyond. The program is available to individuals throughout Arkansas through…


November 25, 2024

UAMS Study Finds More Doulas Needed in Arkansas

David Wise

Doula speaking to a pregnant woman outside the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation

FAYETTEVILLE — Community-based doulas can help mothers better navigate the health care system and provide cultural support, but there are not enough doulas in Arkansas to serve communities, according to researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Doulas are trained birth coaches who provide continuous emotional support, advocate for and aid informed…