Healthy Babies, Strong Families

Get ready for labor, delivery, and life with baby with Families Forward.

Your Village Is Here!

The Healthy Babies Strong Families program is here to support you and your family every step of the way! We offer a variety of childbirth education services that are culturally responsive and tailored to meet your needs as you navigate pregnancy and parenthood.

Led by Certified Full-Spectrum Doulas & Childbirth Educators

Families Forward offers a range of services led by Certified Full Spectrum Doulas and Childbirth Educators, dedicated to supporting expectant parents throughout their journey. Our Certified Doulas provide essential knowledge and skills for labor, delivery, infant feeding, and postpartum recovery. Classes cover vital topics such as stages of labor, pain management techniques, medical interventions, newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum wellness. Our mission is to empower parents with confidence, informed decision-making, and practical to navigate their birth experience with ease.

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What is a Doula?

Doulas, also called birth assistants or labor companions, are non-medical professionals who support birthing people before, during, and after childbirth. While knowledgeable about labor and delivery, doulas do not provide medical care, diagnoses, or clinical procedures. Their role is to ensure the birthing process is as comfortable and emotionally supportive as possible.

What You'll Learn

Stages of Labor & Delivery

Learn what to expect during each phase of labor, from early contractions to active labor and delivery. Understand the signs, physical changes, and key milestones to feel prepared and empowered for your birth experience.

Comfort Measures & Pain Management

Explore a variety of techniques to manage discomfort during labor, including breathing exercises, movement, massage, and available medical options. Discover strategies to help you stay calm, focused, and as comfortable as possible throughout childbirth.

Newborn Care Essentials

Gain confidence in caring for your baby with practical guidance on feeding, diapering, bathing, safe sleep, and soothing techniques. This section covers the basics every new parent needs to know for those important first weeks at home.

Postpartum Wellness & Recovery

Support your physical and emotional recovery after birth with information on healing, self-care, and recognizing signs of postpartum challenges. Learn about available resources and tips for adjusting to life with a newborn while prioritizing your well-being.

What You'll Have Access To

Lactation

Support

Lactation education is provided during the prenatal period, starting as early as the first trimester, both virtually and in person. Ongoing support continues through the perinatal period and beyond as needed.

Doula
Services

We provide free doula support to mothers through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Our doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to ensure a positive birthing experience.

Mental Wellness

Families Forward, in collaboration with local mental health professionals, offer mental health support to participants of the Healthy Babies, Strong Families program, assisting Black birthing individuals in managing mental health, coping with stress, and enhancing emotional well-being during their perinatal journey.

Prenatal Care

Community Health Workers assist expectant parents by guiding them through the healthcare system, to ensure timely and appropriate prenatal care. Expectant parents will receive comprehensive support and care throughout their pregnancy journey to promote a healthy pregnancy and positive birth outcomes

Pregnancy Classes

Our pregnancy classes provide expectant parents with the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. These classes cover a range of topics, including pregnancy, prenatal care, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery, helping parents feel informed and confident as they prepare to welcome their new baby.

THRIVE Program for the Critical 4th Trimester

Families Forward Resource Center, with NayaCare, launches the THRIVE Program, offering personalized in-home medical care and education during the critical 4th trimester—the first three months postpartum, vital for mother and baby's healthy development.