Doulas for Aboriginal Families

Grant Program

What is a doula? What are some benefits of doula services?

How can I access doula services?

Important Questions

Doula ServicesDoulas provide continuous emotional, physical, spiritual and informational supports for mothers and families during pregnancy, labour and after birth.

• Decision-making• Advocacy• Interpersonal

communication• Resources on pregnancy,

labour and after birth • Breast feeding• Client autonomy (strength

and place of power)• Cultural supports• Referrals for additional

supports • Basic counseling

Doula Services

2007 - Tripartite First Nations Health Plan

Action Item: “Maternity Access Project will be implemented to improve

maternal health services for Aboriginal women and families and bring birth “closer to home and back into the hands of women.”

2008/2009 – Implement Maternity Access Project:

FNHA and BCAAFC partner to support the development and the implementation of:

Doula training and certification Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program

How did this program come to be?

The goal of this program is to increase healthy birth outcomes for Aboriginal families by removing the cost barrier for them to access prenatal, birth, and postpartum supports from a qualified doula.

To collect information from families and doulas to strengthen the program and demonstrate the positive impact doulas have on families.

“Pregnancy is a special time for families and it is important that we make sure that Aboriginal

families have the appropriate supports they need to feel comfortable and confident during their

journey.”

Program Objectives

Who is eligible to apply? Either parent self-identifies as Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis and Inuit)

Must live in BC (and reside either on or off reserve)

Criteria

Process MapDoulas for Aboriginal Families

(Grant Program)

Complete and Submit Application

Pre-approval

Service

Submit Invoice

Payment Administered

Applications

Doula Service Provider Request pre-

approval form Certification: formal

doula training, DONA Certification or proof of BC Doula Membership

Complete and submit application

Women and Families Request pre-approval

form that will include: Client information Support

organization/program (recommended)

Doula Support (if applicable)

Signatures Complete and submit

form

Doulas must: Submit a final invoice for services to BCAAFC for final

payment

Approved Applications: An email will be sent to the doula informing them of their

approved application and services that will be covered by this grant program

Payment Administered:  A signed letter from the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant

Program Administrator will accompany payment and include: Services rendered Amount administered

After submission of Applications

Where is the funding coming from?

This program is being supported by the BC Ministry of Health, in partnership with FNHA and the BCAAFC.

How much is available per application?

Maximum of $1000.00 per pregnancy. Payment will be administered and will take approximately 2-3 weeks to receive payment.

Funding Details

Amanda Engen

Doulas for Aboriginal Families Program Administrator

BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres

T: 250-388-5522

F: 250-388-5502

Toll-Free: 1-800-990-2432

doulasupport@bcaafc.com

www.bcaafc.com

Doulas for Aboriginal Families Contact Information