Amanda Mendoza recalls a moment early in her doula career that left a profound mark on her understanding of support during birth.
As she accompanied a first-time mother anxious in labor, Mendoza instinctively reached out, holding the woman’s hand and reassuring her of her safety.
That simple, yet powerful connection embodied the essence of what it means to be a doula—offering not just physical assistance but deep emotional support.
Such experiences are especially significant for doulas of color, who are often underrepresented in the Portland area.
This is exactly the mission of the Community Doula Alliance (CDA), which has been pivotal in changing the landscape for birth workers and families since its inception in 2020.
With programs like the Diverse Doula Program (DDP) and Community Doula Training (CDT), CDA has supported over 500 families and trained more than 90 doulas, all aimed at enriching the community’s birth experience.
As they look toward their five-year anniversary, CDA is preparing to host a celebration gala, inviting everyone to participate.
Founded by Kimberly Porter, MSW/CSWA, CDA serves as a community-centric doula organization dedicated to uplifting Black, Indigenous, Latine, and other culturally diverse birth professionals.
Marnellie Bishop joined shortly after its launch, contributing her experience in finance and operations to enhance CDA’s mission and reach.
Mendoza’s journey with CDA exemplifies the organization’s impact.
Initially supported by a CDA doula during her own birth, Mendoza later trained through CDA and is now helping to support families in labor.
“It was a full-circle experience,” she shared, emphasizing the deep relationships that develop in doula-supported births.
CDA’s structure is vital, particularly given the historical lack of representation for Black, Brown, and Indigenous doulas in Portland.
The organization operates as a Medicaid billing hub, providing access to Oregon Health Plan families and creating inclusive spaces for doulas and families alike.
Porter’s career as a psychotherapist and maternal and child health advocate spans over three decades.
Through her work with low-income communities, particularly those of African American descent, she recognized the urgent need for culturally specific doula services.
“This exposure highlighted the critical need to examine how families were being treated within hospital settings and the direct impact on birth outcomes,” Porter asserted.
Her vision for CDA ultimately connects comprehensive community support with skilled doula advocacy, aiming to decolonize birth work and enhance the overall health of mothers and infants in Portland’s diverse population.
The necessity of this mission is underscored by the ongoing racial disparities in maternal and infant health.
According to the KFF, pregnancy-related mortality rates are significantly higher for Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native birthgivers compared to white counterparts.
CDA seeks to bridge these gaps by matching expectant parents with culturally attuned doulas.
Research supports the efficacy of this approach; studies show that doula-assisted births yield improved health outcomes for mothers and infants alike.
For instance, a federal Office of Health Policy study found that mothers receiving doula support were less likely to give birth to low-weight babies or face complications.
A recent success involved a family who immigrated to the U.S. and was paired with a CDA doula fluent in Swahili, ensuring they received culturally and linguistically adapted support.
Similarly, CDA assisted a family aiming to re-create their traditional birthing practices from Mexico by matching them with a doula familiar with their customs.
Nia Harris, who oversees CDA’s program development, emphasizes the organization’s role in tackling maternal mortality and other risks in underserved communities.
“Community-based doula care is a mitigating factor for maternal mortality and many other risks to birthing families, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color,” Harris explained.
Jessica Ramirez, another doula trained by CDA, expressed her motivation to join the organization after receiving support from her own CDA doula, Ali Buchanan.
Having witnessed firsthand the holistic and culturally sensitive services CDA provides, Ramirez is eager to help alleviate the anxieties many expectant parents of color face in medical settings.
“The role of a doula is to not only help ease feelings of anxiety but also to advocate for our clients,” she stated.
Moreover, CDA continues to invest in the growth of its doulas through new membership programs that include educational classes and opportunities for support.
The overarching mission of CDA is clear: to cultivate a new generation of professional doulas with a focus on racial and linguistic diversity, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes for birthing and postpartum individuals in the community.
By uplifting these voices and experiences, CDA aims to contribute meaningfully to the landscape of maternal and infant health in Portland.
As the gala approaches, anticipation grows for the celebration of the progress made over the past five years and the vision for what lies ahead in promoting equity in birth work.
image source from：wweek
