Stronger Together: How the New Doula Coalition is Changing Birth in Illinois
Bringing a new life into the world should be a joyful experience. But for many families in Illinois—especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous families—pregnancy and childbirth can come with fear, stress, and even danger. Black women in Illinois are more than four times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women. This isn't just a statistic; it's a call to action.
That's why BA NIA Incorporated and eight other community organizations have come together to form the Chicago Illinois Doula Coalition Network (CIDCN). This powerful new partnership is working to make sure every birthing person in Illinois has access to the care, support, and respect they deserve.
Why This Matters
Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Studies show that having a doula can lead to shorter labors, fewer complications, and better outcomes for both parent and baby. But not everyone has access to this kind of care—especially in communities that have been historically underserved.
And the gaps in representation are just as stark. Today, only 7% of licensed midwives and 9% of doulas in the U.S. are Black. That means many birthing people never have the chance to be cared for by someone who looks like them or shares their cultural background—something that can make a real difference in how care is given and received.
CIDCN aims to change that by uniting doulas, midwives, and community organizations across the state. Together, they're creating a network that offers consistent, culturally grounded, and community-led care for all.
A Story of Support
Take Aamina's story, for example. She connected with the Chicago Birthworks Collective during her pregnancy. Facing the challenges of being a Black mother-to-be during a pandemic, Aamina found the support she needed through her doula, Toni. With guidance and care, Aamina was able to advocate for herself and have a positive birth experience. Her story is a testament to the difference that compassionate, community-based care can make.
What's Next
By working together, the members of CIDCN can:
Standardize doula care across Illinois
Provide training and support for new doulas
Advocate for policies that recognize and fund doula services
Ensure that care is culturally relevant and community-driven
This coalition isn't just about improving individual birth experiences—it's about transforming the entire system to be more equitable and just.
Meet the Members
CIDCN is made up of dedicated organizations including:
Each brings unique strengths, but they all share a commitment to birth justice and community empowerment.
Looking Ahead
The work of the Chicago Illinois Doula Coalition Network (CIDCN) is just beginning, but its impact will be felt far and wide. Whether you're planning a birth, supporting a loved one through pregnancy, or working in maternal and reproductive health, this coalition is here to make sure you don’t have to navigate it alone.
With culturally grounded care, trusted community-based providers, and a growing network of support, CIDCN is helping build a future where every birthing person in Illinois can feel seen, heard, and cared for—before, during, and after birth.
If your organization is aligned with this mission and interested in joining the coalition, please reach out to BA NIA at info@baniainc.com.