Release: August 8, 2006

Columbia Center Doula Fund provides doulas to disadvantaged women

Milwaukee, Wis. –  This May, Columbia Center began offering further aid to Milwaukee’s pregnant women when it established the Doula Fund, which can eliminate the cost of having a doula assisted birth.

Columbia Center already subsidizes the cost of its doula program to make it more affordable. The Doula Fund now makes it possible for disadvantaged families to have a doula free of cost through a simple application form.

A birth doula is a “person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth” according to DONA International, the world’s largest and fastest growing doula association. Over 5,500 DONA International certified doulas provide their services to families worldwide.

The efforts of The Doula Fund have seen immediate success. With just the first request for funds, approximately $5,000 was donated towards the program.

The fund was established in honor of the Chair of the Columbia Health System Board of Directors, Joseph D. Messinger, whom has just completed his term as chair.

To donate to The Doula Fund, send a check made out to the CSM Foundation/Doula Fund.

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Columbia Center is an intimate birthing hospital that supports women and their families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. An independent hospital, Columbia Center is located on the Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee campus in Mequon, Wis. and online at columbiacenter.org.