Friend,
Thank you for always being there for our families and providing Family Focus with the support needed to help them thrive. You help us to change lives! Across our programs, we serve more than 9,000 children and families and provide 10,000 more with resources and referrals. Today, I’d like to shine a spotlight on our Doula program – one of our most impactful initiatives.
Have you ever wondered why Doulas are such a crucial support for women during pregnancy and childbirth? Doulas offer a unique set of services that go beyond the clinical aspects of healthcare. They provide emotional support to mothers throughout the childbirth journey, but it’s more than that; they empower expectant mothers to better care for themselves and their newborns, enhance their ability to communicate with their healthcare team, and boost their sense of agency.
Our Doula program is one that is near and dear to my heart because I can personally attest to the trauma that is experienced from going through a life-threatening childbirth. If it weren’t for the prowess and advocacy of my mother, I could have died while in delivery, and unfortunately, my experience is not so uncommon. In the U.S., maternal mortality rates have consistently increased over the past five years – up more than 89%. I am grateful every day that Family Focus provides services to mothers and families to help change this.
Our Doula program provides expectant mothers and their babies critical, life-changing support, including early referral to healthcare services, reduced medical costs, and guidance throughout their entire pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. One such amazing mother we worked with is Cychee. Her journey with us began during her prenatal care at St. Bernard Hospital while she was expecting her child, Hayden. Cychee was in desperate need of care and guidance. She was a young mother without the benefit of childcare help, was suffering the recent loss of her own mother, and found herself alone while her partner worked to provide for their family.
Thanks to the incredible support of donors like you, Doula Leslie entered Cychee’s life, and from the moment they met, she became a trusted friend. For many of the individuals we work with, like Cychee, a Doula can become their lifeline and an essential source of support. Today Cychee and her family are healthy and thriving. She credits her Doula for making all the difference in their lives.
Can we count on you to help support more families like Cychee’s? Your gift helps make a tremendous impact on the lives of our families. Together, we can ensure that no family or mom like Cychee walks this journey alone. Thank you for being a part of our family and for supporting our critical mission. You make a REAL difference, and for that, we’re eternally grateful.
With gratitude,
