News & Announcements

Calming Nature Doula Center Launches Doula Resource Boutique to Strengthen Doula Workforce and Expand Community-Based Doula Support in Western New York

Buffalo, NY — Calming Nature Doula Center Inc. is proud to launch the Doula Resource Boutique, a professional training and workforce development hub designed to equip, support, and sustain Birth and Postpartum Doula professionals serving families throughout Western New York and across New York State.

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The Doula Resource Boutique was created to meet the growing demand for culturally responsive, community-based doulas who are trained and supported in becoming NYS Medicaid–credentialed providers, while also reducing burnout and promoting long-term career sustainability. The center serves as a dedicated hub for doula training, Medicaid enrollment guidance, mentorship, professional development, and peer connection for both new and experienced doulas.

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I’m truly excited about the launch of this resource center for our doula community. It will inspire and support future doulas as they grow into their work serving childbearing families. Programs like this do more than teach fundamentals, they help shape doulas with compassion, empathy, and connection, while fostering a strong and supportive doula community.”

-Sydney Littlejohn, Operations Manager. 

“By strengthening the doula workforce and expanding access to trusted, community-based care, this initiative helps close critical gaps in maternal health support and outcomes. The Doula Resource Boutique gives doulas access to the tools and professional support they need to build sustainable careers. By strengthening the doula workforce, we strengthen the care families receive and move toward a more equitable maternal health system.”

-Shannon Johns, Founder and President. 

“This program exists to support doulas at every stage of their journey, by offering resources, guidance, and steady support, we help doulas provide informed, compassionate care, without sacrificing their own well-being.”

-Shawntay Respress, Program Manager.

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What the Doula Resource Boutique Offers

• Professional Training & Certification Support: Birth and Postpartum Doula trainings, including culturally inclusive care practices.

• NYS Medicaid Enrollment Guidance: Step-by-step support for doulas seeking to become Medicaid-enrolled providers.

• Mentorship & Career Development: Structured mentorship pathways for new doulas and professional development for experienced professionals.

• Workforce Sustainability Resources: Tools focused on reducing burnout, improving retention, and supporting long-term career growth

• Community & Collaboration Space: A centralized hub for learning, networking, and professional connection

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The launch of the Doula Resource Boutique aligns with Calming Nature Doula Center’s broader mission to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. State and national data consistently show that access to professional, community-based doula support is associated with improved birth outcomes, including reduced cesarean rates, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher maternal satisfaction, particularly among families in underserved and historically marginalized communities. Through collaboration with healthcare systems, community organizations, and regional partners, the center’s training and workforce development efforts are intentionally designed to reach communities where disparities in maternal and infant outcomes remain most pronounced.

 

About Calming Nature Doula Center Inc.

Calming Nature Doula Center Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing maternal and infant health through doula services, breastfeeding support, workforce development, and community-based programs. The organization provides culturally responsive care, professional training, and system-level partnerships that strengthen perinatal support across Western New York, with locations in Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

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Media interviews and site visits are available upon request.