Everyone Deserves a Doula is celebrating it’s First Birthday! EDD exists to support Arkansas families during the birthing year (nine months of pregnancy, birth, and three months of postpartum time). Our vision is that this support includes scholarships for doula services (birth, bereavement, postpartum), lactation support, organization of free or low-cost peer support groups, classes, workshops, and events.

It’s been quite the first year for EDD. We’ve gotten our board up and running, outlined plans for moving forward with scholarship opportunities, and have just generally been doing all of the paperwork and other responsibilities that come with building a successful and sustainable organization.

There have been some very exciting things happening all over Arkansas for growing families, birthing people, and new babies; we’re honored and proud to be a part of the push toward healthier and happier outcomes for Arkansans!

One of our accomplishments this year has been the organization of our board. We have a competent and supportive group of women bringing their skill sets together to support each other and the goals of EDD. We feel honored to have such an amazing team!

EDD has been honored this year to receive a Maternal and Pediatric Health grant from the Blue and You Foundation. Our focus with this grant is to build and test a mobile version of Balanced Mama’s comprehensive childbirth and postpartum education. EDD believes that education is a key part of empowering growing families and improving health and social outcomes for birthing people and their babies.

Finally, EDD is so thankful for our supporters and donors. It is such a boost to know that the impact of doula support and education is being seen, appreciated, supported, and shared!

With warm hearts,

The Everyone Deserves a Doula board