Child and Family Health

 

Programs

 

BirthRoot Community Doula Alliance

To be partnered with doula for free or for questions
Visit LakeErieBirthRoot.org/ or
contact: Info@lakeeriebirthroot.org or 814-449-6200

What is doula?
Doulas are “non-clinical caregivers” who help create a positive, empowering birth and recovery experience for the mother. A doula is trained and certified professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals (and sometimes including their partners or families) throughout pregnancy, during childbirth and postpartum (after giving birth).

Doulas do not preform medical tasks (such as those done by doctors or midwives) but focus on supporting the person emotionally and physically throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

Benefits of having a doula:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: Continuous emotional and physical support helps lower fear and tension during labor.
  • Better outcomes: Research suggests that having a birth doula can lead to shorter labor, reduced need for pain medications, and fewer interventions like C-sections.
  • Stronger postpartum adjustment: Families often report feeling more confident in their parenting with a doula’s guidance.

BirthRoot Community Doula Alliance‘s holistic approach and dedicated team of full-spectrum, certified doulas is a response to disparities in Black and brown maternal childbirth.

By providing personalized, compassionate care, BirthRoot emphasizes the need to empower Black and brown individuals to make informed decisions and work with healthcare systems more effectively.

By creating a nurturing environment, BirthRoot Doulas alleviate the additional stressors Black and brown birthing individuals often encounter. This service philosophy is playing a pivotal role in promoting equity and positive birthing experiences for all individuals, regardless of their background.

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“Child with Special Needs” signs

Place the “Child with Special Needs” signs on a prominent window in your home or the outside of your vehicle to let emergency responders know there is a child or youth who needs special assistance in an emergency.

These signs are part of the health department’s efforts on Emergency Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

 

The “Child with Special Needs” signs are available for residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania as

  • window clings for homes
  • stickers for vehicles (cars, trucks, boats, RVs, etc.)

The signs are available at:

 

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