Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional and informational support to mothers before and after the birth of a child. The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, New England Region, in collaboration with UMass Medical School, has awarded a Pettaway Pursuit Foundation technology enhancement health awareness grant to equip the local doulas with tablet computers to use in health education for mothers during home visits in Massachusetts.
The Pettaway Pursuit Foundation is a maternal health and family organization that empowers expectant, at-risk mothers and new mothers with education and support throughout the prenatal and postpartum period, with the goal of achieving healthy newborn outcomes through healthier and prolonged pregnancies.
In addition to providing doulas with online access to the National Network of Libraries of Medicine’s educational resources during home visits, the grant will help doulas facilitate group and video chats with families. The project also includes training sessions for doulas to enhance their skills. The project is funded by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, under a cooperative agreement with UMass Medical School.
An event highlighting the program, hosted by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, New England Region, and Tufts Health Plan, will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at UMass Medical School in Amphitheater II (S4-102). RSVP to the Pettaway Pursuit Foundation at carmina.a.taylor@gmail.com.
