Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health has kicked off its newest doula training program, enrolling 25 trainees for 2026. Officials say the class represents a significant step in expanding maternal health support across the state, providing hands-on education for individuals who will serve as vital companions during labor and delivery.
Doulas are trained birth coaches who offer continuous emotional and physical support to birthing parents. Research shows that incorporating doula care into maternity services can improve birth outcomes, reduce the need for medical interventions like cesarean sections, and promote infant health. Doulas also help increase parental engagement and reduce the risk of postpartum depression, while contributing to lower maternal and infant mortality rates, officials said.
The UAMS doula training program was launched in 2025 in collaboration with Ujima Maternity Network and Birthing Beyond, two organizations with deep roots in community-based maternal care. Trainees attend classes with both organizations, complete 45 hours of Certified Breastfeeding Counselor training, participate in multiple live births, and receive hands-on mentorship throughout the program.
Read also: Full daytime closure scheduled on Highway 344 west of Magnolia for Beech Creek pipe replacement
“Together, we’ve not only expanded the doula workforce through training and certification, we’ve expanded what’s possible for maternal health in Arkansas,” said Nicolle Fletcher, co-founder of Ujima Maternity Network. “This partnership shows how systems change and families thrive. By honoring community tradition alongside institutional structure, we’re building a model that will continue improving the lives of Arkansans.”
The 2026 class began their program in January and represents 14 counties across the state, including Benton, Crittenden, Cross, Faulkner, Garland, Hot Spring, Izard, Jefferson, Mississippi, Polk, Pulaski, Saline, Van Buren, and Washington. Notably, five counties—Crittenden, Cross, Faulkner, Polk, and Van Buren—are being represented in the program for the first time, signaling a broader reach for doula services in Arkansas communities that previously lacked access.
The program is funded through a $125,000 award from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, supporting the institute’s Doula Expansion Initiative. UAMS officials said the initiative aligns with the university’s larger strategy to improve maternal and child health outcomes statewide, combining formal clinical training with community-based mentorship to build a stronger, more prepared workforce.
In addition to training skilled birth support professionals, the program aims to foster long-term improvements in community health by connecting trainees with families and healthcare systems across Arkansas. Graduates of the program are expected to bring both practical expertise and cultural understanding to their roles, creating a supportive environment for birthing parents from diverse backgrounds.
The UAMS Institute for Community Health encourages prospective trainees, healthcare providers, and interested community members to learn more about the program and its services by visiting CommunityHealth.UAMS.edu. As the 2026 class progresses, the institute hopes to continue expanding doula availability and improving maternal and infant health outcomes across the state.
With 25 trainees now enrolled and a growing network of community partners, the program underscores UAMS’s commitment to innovative, community-centered approaches to maternal healthcare, demonstrating that targeted training and collaborative partnerships can make a meaningful difference in families’ lives.
