Pregnancy and Childbirth Education

(formerly known as The Community Doula Program)

Prenatal care is vital. It improves the likelihood of a healthy, full-term newborn. It reduces the chance of complications, low birth weight, and postnatal and potential life-long healthcare costs.

The Pregnancy and Childbirth Education program's primary goal is to prevent poor health outcomes for mothers and infants by increasing breastfeeding for a period of at least six months and decreasing Cesearean sections, premature births and low-weight babies.

Program Director Marisa Pena-Alfaro is an internationally-certified doula and pregnancy educator.

Program Services*

• Prenatal and Perinatal education on topics such as pregnancy and nutrition, labor and birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and infant care
• Activities including Ben Taub Hospital OB tour, Saturday classes with partner, and baby showers
• Emotional support through weekly phone calls during pregnancy, labor and delivery and after the birth of the child