Kansas City Expands Doula Program, Introduces First Group of Participants

The Kansas City Health Department, in partnership with Community Capital Fund (CCF), is proud to announce the first cohort of doulas selected to participate in the KC Doula Program. Phase two starts on Sept. 29. Families can apply with their selected doula to receive scholarships of up to $6,000 to cover care ranging from prenatal visits to postpartum guidance. Residents can apply here from September 29 to November 3, 2025.

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the KC Doula Program is designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes while strengthening local doula businesses. Research shows doula care leads to healthier pregnancies and births, including lower cesarean rates, shorter labors, decreased postpartum depression, and more personalized birthing experiences.

"Doulas play a key role in supporting healthy pregnancies, safe births, and strong families, and we are thrilled to announce our first cohort of doulas," said Dr. Marvia Jones. "We also offer free programs to assist families with maternal health at various stages of parenthood, such as our Buckle Up, Baby, and Safe Sleep programs, which provide education and resources like free Pack 'N Plays and car seats for residents in need. We are excited to launch phase two of the KC Doula program, which will allow us to provide more direct support."

Meet the 2025 Cohort
The following doulas have been selected to serve families through the KC Doula Program:

• Aliyah McBride - Reclaiming Our Power
• Arrin Blount - Sole Proprietor
• Ashley Haden -Peaches - Peachy Births: Doula and Lactation Services
• Esmeralda Hill - Emerald Service
• Florese Nelson - Koko Doula Company
• Heidi Mills - Bloc Births
• Justice Gatson - Reale Justice Network
• Mercedes Labrador - The Sacred Womb
• Neysha Reyes Cruz - Olas de Amor KC
• Ruth McCleery - Sole Proprietor
• Shadae Carr - New Light Family Birth Services
• Taylor Gatson - Blooming Blossoms

Voices from the Doulas

• "By investing in both my personal development and community engagement, I'll be better positioned to sustain and grow my practice in a way that is rooted in service, education, and empowerment." - Aliyah McBride
• "My ultimate goal is to reach more patients to provide services. As one of the only Black doulas who is also a lactation consultant, I am interested in being able to increase the support provided to parents needing lactation support." - Ashley Haden-Peaches
• "This grant will expand my services provided as well as my knowledge to better serve the community. I will help to continue to provide a safe space where families can get Items for their babies, as well as connect them to resources." - Neysha Reyes Cruz

Phase 2: Free Doula Services for Expecting Families Beginning September 29, 2025, the second phase of the KC Doula Program launches, which provides expecting families with the opportunity to apply to receive free doula services. Families may apply with their selected doula to receive scholarships of up to $6,000 to cover care ranging from prenatal visits to postpartum guidance. Applications will be accepted through November 3, 2025. For full details and to apply, visit https://www.ccfkansascity.org/DoulaKC or contact Community Capital Fund at [email protected] or (816) 502-9584.