-Ana Rodney is a 2019 OSI Baltimore Community Fellow.–
While pregnant with her firstborn, Ana Rodney looked forward to a nine-month journey that culminated with a joyous return home from the hospital with her baby.
Then reality hit, and Rodney found herself suffering alone.
…From the pain, Rodney created MOMCares, an organization that provides doula services, workforce training and support specifically for Black mothers and families. Founded in 2017, it has grown to employ one part-time staffer and four full-time staff members — all of them doulas — and now Rodney is in discussions with area hospitals and county governments about contracting out the organization’s services. Rodney has also since added another addition to her family: Asher, who is nearly 2.
Doulas are trained companions that provide support to people during and after pregnancy as well as other health care-related experiences. While they are not medically licensed, they can assist medical professionals and enhance the experiences of their clients.
