The G.R.O.W. Doula Story

In 2016, Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition’s new CEO, Andrea Berry was participating in a site visit with one of our Health Educators, Maria. Maria took her to a home of a young woman who had just delivered the night before. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a 15-year-old mommy and her brand-new baby. She did not speak English and we soon were informed that she labored alone in the hospital and was unable to communicate with the nursing staff. This woman was alone in one of the most vulnerable moments of her life.

As Andrea reflected on this information, she questioned our local hospital about how many mothers deliver alone or unsupported. She received a response of around 100 mothers per year. This was unacceptable. Andrea immediately started brainstorming solutions to this problem within our community.

After many months of research and collaboration, the G.R.O.W. Doula program was created. The G.R.O.W. Doula program is designed to train and educate community members who may have similar belief systems, cultural backgrounds, and shared life experiences with these expectant mothers, creating a support system built on trust. The program has now been implemented statewide (Florida), and we continue to see improved birth outcomes in Indian River County as well as counties around the state of Florida.

The G.R.O.W. Doula Core Values:

  • G.R.O.W. Doula care should empower the client and family to play an active role in their prenatal care, birth and postpartum care. We believe that this empowerment can change the trajectory of a family

  • All families deserve access to Doula care

  • All families look different

  • Doula care should empower support persons to play an active role

  • All clients have what they need to be great parents

Birth Outcomes

Reduction in pre-term birth (4.2% within program participants compared to 10.7% for the county and 10.4% for the state both 3 year rolling, 2018-2020)

Decrease in cesarean sections (25% within program participants compared to 33.4% for the county and 36.4% for the state both 3 year rolling, 2018-2020)

13% cesarean rate within program participants who were given a trial of labor

Fewer babies born low birth weight: < 5lbs 8oz or (6.3% within program participants compared to 8.2% for the county and 8.7% for the state both 3 year rolling, 2018-2020)

Improved disparities in birth outcomes for women of color

  • Reduction in preterm birth of black women (7.9% of black participants compared to 16.7% for the county and 14.4% for   the state both 3 year rolling, 2018-2020)

  • Increase rates of black women initiating breastfeeding (84% of black participants compared to 73.9% for the county and  for the state 78.3% both three year rolling, 2018-2020)

  • Decrease overall cesarean rate for Hispanic (white) women by 15% over states average (24% cesarean section rate in   Hispanic women compared to 33% for the county and for the state 39% both 3 year rolling 2018-2020)