Support at the Start: Building Community from Birth Onward

By: Cean'e "Sunni" Batten

When we consider how to strengthen community care, especially in supporting parents, the role of doulas naturally comes to mind. As a doula, I firmly believe that parents deserve comprehensive support from the very beginning, no matter their unique path.

Doulas provide essential continuity of care through emotional support, physical assistance, informational guidance, and advocacy. Our priority is to ensure clients feel fully supported from day one of their journey.

While many are familiar with the role of a  birth doula, the support a doula offers extends far beyond childbirth. Doulas can provide invaluable assistance throughout various experiences, including adoption and surrogacy, the entire birth and postpartum period, and even during times of bereavement and loss. This full spectrum of support allows individuals and families to lean on their village precisely when and where they need it most.

Research indicates that when families are well-supported by their community—including partners, family, friends, doulas, therapists, and have access to vital community resources—they not only navigate their journey successfully but are also empowered to truly flourish.

As a community support coordinator with The Womb Room, my role is dedicated to connecting families with the vital support they need. Our collective offers a wide range of services, including birth and postpartum doula support, therapy providers, childbirth education and workshops, lactation specialists, and support groups, among others.

We strive to understand each client's unique journey and listen attentively to their specific needs. By doing so, we can effectively guide them toward the most beneficial resources within our community.

Here at The Womb Room, we believe in the power of community and encourage every family to embrace their right to receive support. In the same spirit, we also invite you to extend that support to others whenever possible, fostering a network of care and solidarity. 

If you're unsure about the specific support you or a loved one may need—that’s okay! You don't have to navigate this alone. We're here to guide you through the process of understanding your options and connecting you with the resources that can help. 

We want to remind you of the strength that it takes to seek support, and we encourage you to reach out so we can begin this journey together. 

We believe that the strength of our community lies in the connections we forge and the support we offer one another. It's often during our most challenging or vulnerable times that the value of these connections truly shines, providing the strength and reassurance needed to navigate difficult moments. This is the kind of support we aspire to cultivate for each and every member of our community. Support that you desire, and deserve. 

So if you are here, listening, and this resonates with you, I just want to remind you that we see you. We hear you. We support you. We love you, and we welcome you with open hearts and minds. We are happy to be a part of your community. Without you, we wouldn’t be “The Womb Room.” We are eternally grateful to you, and would love to support you wherever you are. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions about our services or our beautiful community.

💛,

Sunni