California Has A New Online Black Doula Directory

Frontline Doulas has launched the California Black Doula Directory, a resource designed to connect Black families across Los Angeles County with culturally aligned doula services at no cost.

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson and Khefri Riley, community-based doulas and champions for Black maternal health, Frontline Doulas is at the forefront of preventative perinatal care in Southern California.

“We want to ensure all birthing families find the care they need and deserve, with mutual respect and cultural alignment,” Riley said, according to Black Voice News.

The California Black Doula Directory

The introduction of this directory comes at an important time, as the need for doulas has surged nationwide, partly in response to a growing maternal mortality crisis. 

Frontline Doulas accommodates Medi-Cal beneficiaries—covering 40% of California’s births—and provides a platform for doulas regardless of their Medi-Cal status.

The new directory is a carefully curated space where doulas’ profiles feature specific tags about their cultural identities and specializations. 

The diversity of California’s population, with the highest number of births annually in the U.S., is mirrored in the variety of doulas registered. 

These doulas, who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color, can join at no cost. 

Furthermore, Frontline Doulas extends its commitment through various programs, including the Community Doula Champions Program and a free Doula Hotline service.

Launched on March 13, the directory lists over 80 doulas with diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.