Community of Caring

The Community of Caring empowers communities and new parents by working with community partners to implement community doula training and free doula services in Paterson and the Greater Newark areas.

The Community of Caring utilizes the HealthConnect One curriculum.  Participants will need to complete this 10 week training, several observations and attend three births, to complete the HealthConnect one certification process.  We

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Community of Caring: The Greater Essex Doula Cooperative, led by the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey and the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, expands access to doula care and provides free community doula training following the HealthConnect One program. This dynamic doula program for residents of Newark and the surrounding areas is recognized by the State of New Jersey.   

• Doulas are trained to give emotional, physical, and informational care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
• Doulas are members of your community who can be trusted to advocate for your needs.
• Doulas are respected members of the pregnancy care team, providing advocacy and support to parents.
• Doulas help improve birth outcomes and breastfeeding rates, setting up families for success.

Doulas trained through the Greater Newark initiative will provide services at RWJBarnabas Health Clara Maass Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and University Hospital.  We thank these medical centers for their support and guidance.  

The application is now closed.  More news about this exciting program coming soon!  For questions about this program, call 862-899-8625.

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Greater Newark Doula Cooperative Partners:

Program Advisors & Collaborators:

Community of Caring: The Paterson Doula Cooperative, led by New Destiny Family Success Centers, St. Joseph’s Health, and the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, expands access to doula care and provides free community doula training following the HealthConnect One program. This dynamic doula program for Paterson residents is recognized by the State of New Jersey.

• Doulas are trained to give emotional, physical, and informational care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
• Doulas are members of your community who can be trusted to advocate for your needs.
• Doulas are respected members of the pregnancy care team, providing advocacy and support to parents.
• Doulas help improve birth outcomes and breastfeeding rates, setting up families for success.

Learn more – call 862-359-0505.

The first class of community doulas graduated in September 2022.  Check back here for program updates.

Paterson Doula Cooperative Partners:

Our Generous Supporters:

Program Advisors: