View This Message as a Webpage

SPAN-ing the Decades 30 Things About SPAN

Fun Fact #19

SPAN’s Community Doula initiative is recognized by the New Jersey Department of Health as a model program for reducing black infant mortality .

Currently the only Community Doula program in the state, this pilot is an initiative of SPAN’s Improving Pregnancy Outcomes (IPO) program, which is funded by the NJ Department of Health (NJ DOH), Division of Family Health Services. It is based on an understanding that improving birth outcomes and reducing disparities in infant and maternal mortality requires a systems approach that has been modeled in cities and states across the country. Community doulas provide non-clinical, emotional, physical and culturally responsive support before, during, and after pregnancy. With a community doula: Women need fewer medical interventions Women have decreased risks of having a Caesarean Women use less pain medication Women have shorter labors Mothers and their infants are more likely to have increased bonding Mothers feel happier about their labors Infants' APGAR scores tend to be higher Study after study has shown that mothers supported by doulas are more likely to breastfeed their newborns, exclusively breastfeed, and continue breastfeeding.

SPAN's community health workers and doulas are helping women increase their chances of successful, healthy pregnancies and births. Your generosity in donating helps them continue to support and educate women before, through, and after their pregnancies. In advocacy, Diana Autin & Debra Jennings Co-Executive Directors

SPAN is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that relies on funds from a variety of grants and also from people like you--our partners and parents, our families and friends. Help SPAN reach even more families in the next 30 years and beyond!  Donate Today Please share this message so we can increase our fundraising reach.