About the Doula Project
Supported by a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield Foundation, the Greater Lowell Health Alliance launched a doula training project to expand access to culturally and linguistically diverse doulas who can support families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In 2025, 13 multilingual community members were trained as postpartum doulas. Additional support also supported doulas in securing MassHealth provider eligibility, allowing them to accept payment for doula services via MassHealth.
Upcoming Projects
Additional funding from the BlueCross BlueShield Foundation has allowed GLHA to expand efforts to support the perinatal workforce through 2027. Our current efforts include:
Doula Training
In partnership with Jodi Congdon of Hip to Heart doula agency, GLHA will offer a free post-partum doula training for interested community members from the Greater Lowell or Merrimack Valley area. Dates/location/registration information TBD.
Professional Development for Perinatal Health & Social Service Workers
With our community partners, GLHA will offer free trainings for community members working in the field of perinatal health to support their ongoing professional development. Field experts plan to offer trainings on lactation support, safe sleep, cultural considerations during the perinatal periods, and more. In addition to content area expertise, we will also offer business trainings &support for perinatal professionals interested in starting their own doula or lactation agencies or groups,
A calendar of training opportunities will be added to this page in the early spring of 2026.
Paid Mentorship
Funding for this project will also be used to pay experienced doulas to serve as mentors for new doulas. Mentor doulas will provide opportunities for new doulas to observe & provide services to new families, supporting their professional growth towards formal certification.
We are currently looking for experienced doulas interested in being mentors in the Greater Lowell Area! Please fill out this Interest Form if you would like to be considered for this paid opportunity.
Professional Linkages
The Maternal-Child Task Force is working closely with area providers, including Lowell General Hospital & Lowell Community Health Center, to streamline integration of doulas into the care continuum.
Social & Community Connections
Community support is critical for supporting people working in the field of perinatal health. The GLHA is supporting a casual meeting for doulas, lactation professionals, postpartum home visitors, nurses, and others who work with new families where professionals can connect, share experiences, and build community with people who understand this field.
Meeting times and locations TBD in early spring 2026.