Flourish Alachua program to increase trustworthy postpartum support options for moms, babies
New Children’s Trust of Alachua County postpartum doula training program begins Fall 2024.
The Children’s Trust of Alachua County announces the launch of a transformative new program, Flourish Alachua, slated to begin in August of 2024. The program is a collaborative effort between the Children’s Trust of Alachua County and BEAM Birth Network.
Flourish Alachua is designed to effectively train, certify and mentor postpartum doulas within Alachua County, with a mission to prioritize maternal and infant well-being and health throughout the crucial postpartum period. The trainings begin with two days of in-person sessions, scheduled August 24-25, and continue with six months of supplemental virtual coursework led by subject matter experts and community leaders.
“This program represents our continued commitment to ensuring all children, from birth, can remain healthy and have nurturing caregivers,” said Marsha Kiner, executive director of the Children’s Trust of Alachua County. “The moment a new baby is brought home, we want parents to have the opportunity to receive experienced support from a knowledgeable resource like postpartum doulas. We are grateful to BEAM Birth Network for providing the expertise to make this certification program a reality.”
Similar to birth doulas, who concentrate on supporting women prior to and during labor and delivery, postpartum doulas specialize in offering knowledge and support during the postpartum period.
Through the Flourish Alachua coursework, doulas will acquire the essential skills to effectively educate and support families. This includes foundational knowledge on basic newborn care — such as infant feeding, diaper changing and soothing techniques — as well as coping skills for new parents navigating early parenthood.
“Postpartum doulas can have a tremendous impact on those early days of parenthood, including reducing postpartum depression, raising parental confidence and improving family cohesion,” said Brittany Fadiora, founder of BEAM Birth Network who will lead the August in-person trainings. “It’s also an important connection for educational purposes as clients navigate early parenthood and self-care.”
Those interested in joining Flourish Alachua’s first cohort should view the information session at flic.kr/p/2q3LADu and register for an interview as soon as possible, which will begin this week. Up to 20 candidates will be selected to participate in the program.
