Pennsylvania Doula Commission
Recognition, Promotion and Protection of the Doula Profession
The Pennsylvania Doula Commission is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of the Doula workforce while expanding equitable doula access and improving maternal and infant health outcomes across the Commonwealth.
Our History
The Pennsylvania Doula Commission emerged as an organization in 2021 as Doulas and stakeholders attempted to meet with hopes of collaborating to expand doula access. In this process leaders rose to the surface to help advance Doulas efforts to provide equitable access to Doula Support, while protecting the interest of both families and Doulas across the commonwealth. The persons that now form the Pennsylvania Doula Commission continue to act as both leaders and liaisons in collaboration with stakeholders and Government agencies who have a shared interest in uplifting the work of Doulas in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and improving the declining Maternal and Infant health rates in this state.
Our Accomplishments
Five years of advancing the doula profession and improving maternal health outcomes across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Organization Founded
The Pennsylvania Doula Commission was established by doulas and stakeholders committed to expanding equitable doula access and protecting the interests of families and doulas across the Commonwealth.
Stakeholder Coalition Built
Formed partnerships with healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations sharing a mission to uplift doula work and address Pennsylvania's declining maternal and infant health rates.
Certified Perinatal Doula (CPD) Credential Launched
Introduced the voluntary statewide CPD credential — a rigorous, standardized certification pathway recognizing qualified doulas across Pennsylvania and elevating professional standards.
Inaugural Maternal Health Summit
Hosted the first PADC Maternal Health Summit, uniting legislators, healthcare stakeholders, and doula advocates to address Pennsylvania's maternal and infant health crisis.
CPD Credential Recognized by Medicaid
Achieved a landmark milestone as the CPD credential was recognized by Pennsylvania Medicaid, enabling certified doulas to be reimbursed for services provided to Medicaid-enrolled families.
Doula Reimbursement Policy Advocacy
Successfully advocated for financing and reimbursement policies for doula services, expanding access to professional doula support for underserved communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Workforce Development Initiative
Launched a comprehensive workforce development program, including administrative staffing support for PADC and training pipelines to grow the certified doula workforce in Pennsylvania.
CPD Directory Established
Created a publicly accessible directory of Certified Perinatal Doulas, making it easier for Pennsylvania families to find and connect with qualified, credentialed doula support.
Expanded Community Partnerships
Deepened collaborations with hospitals, birth centers, and community health organizations across Pennsylvania to integrate doula support into standard perinatal care pathways.
Continued Growth & Advocacy
Continuing to advance legislative advocacy, grow the CPD credential program, and champion equitable doula access for all Pennsylvania families — building on five years of impact.
Equity at the Center of Everything We Do
It takes expertise in the areas of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum support to effectively represent the needs of the diverse community of families served and Doulas alike. The Pennsylvania Doula Commission's answer is to place equity at its center — disrupting the status quo by engaging individuals who have first-hand encounters as provider and as a birthing person in the Commonwealth.
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