THE IOWA BLACK DOULA COLLECTIVE

The Iowa Black Doula Collective (IBDC) is the first certified doula group of color in Iowa, dedicated to providing holistic, judgment-free, and evidence-based support to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families across the state. Through comprehensive services—including prenatal, birth, postpartum, bereavement care, and Certified Lactation Counselor support via their LISHE program—IBDC empowers doulas to advocate for families throughout their reproductive journeys.

Ebonie Bailey and Selchia Cain-Hinton founded IBDC in response to the alarming disparities in  pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum outcomes experienced by Black birthing people in Iowa. IBDC’s mission is to create access to culturally responsive doula care and education to address these challenges for Iowa’s BIPOC communities. Their doulas provide emotional, physical, and clinical breastfeeding support that centers the lived experiences and traditions of the communities they serve, ensuring families receive compassionate, evidence-based care from conception through the immediate postpartum period.

Through education, consultation, and one-on-one services, IBDC doulas have reached over 110 families, directly addressing a long-silenced BIPOC birthing experience. The collective continues to expand its impact by fostering community, building partnerships, and increasing awareness about reproductive health equity in Iowa.

With growing demand for doula services, IBDC remains committed to supporting families who need it most and calls on the broader community to join in this important work.

In honor of Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25–31), CHEER proudly recognizes the Iowa Black Doula Collective as our CHAMPion of the Week for their pioneering leadership in birth equity, breastfeeding support, and community healing throughout Iowa and beyond.