LOS ANGELES, CA — As communities around the world recognize World Doula Week March 22 – March 28, 2026, Los Angeles County is highlighting a groundbreaking partnership that brings compassionate doula and lactation support to pregnant people who are incarcerated — strengthening maternal health, infant outcomes, and family bonds during one of life’s most vulnerable moments. 

Through a collaboration between LA Health Services’ Correctional Health Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, with funding from the Los Angeles Justice Care and Opportunities Department’s (JCOD) Care First Community Investment (CFCI), people who are incarcerated, recently released, or at risk of incarceration, now have access to specialized doulas who provide emotional, physical, and educational support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. 

This is the only program of its kind dedicated to serving justice-impacted families in Los Angeles County. At its heart, the program centers dignity, human connection, and affirms that every parent and every baby deserve a healthy, supported start. 

Compassionate Care — Inside and Beyond Custody
A winner of the 2025 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Awards, the CARE Doula Program provides trauma-informed doulas who support patients through all pregnancy outcomes. A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support so the parent feels informed, safe, and cared for. Since the program launched in 2023, 145 clients have been served and 61 births attended.  

Services include: 

• Prenatal education and birth planning 
• Labor and delivery companionship 
• Postpartum care for up to one year 
• Separation planning and emotional support to prepare families for transitions and preserve parent-infant bonding 
• Mental health and social service referrals 
• Lactation education and counseling 

Doulas, as non-clinical support providers, work in close partnership with clinical teams from LA Health Services’ Correctional Health Services, who provide medical care inside LA County jails. 

Together, they ensure patients receive whole-person care that addresses both medical and emotional needs — reinforcing the County’s commitment to care that is welcoming, compassionate, and equitable. 

“Pregnancy should be met with care, compassion, and support — no matter someone’s circumstances,” said Dr. Gianna Le, OB/GYN Lead Physician with LA Health Services’ Correctional Health Services. “Through this partnership, we are able to surround our patients with a team that protects their health, honors their dignity, and strengthens their connection to their babies. That support can make a lasting difference for both parent and child.” 

A First-of-Its-Kind Lactation Program
A cornerstone of the program is an innovative lactation initiative, developed in collaboration with BreastfeedLA, that allows incarcerated mothers to express breast milk for their newborns — even while separated due to custody status. 

Through secure milk collection, storage, and transport, infants can receive the health benefits of breast milk while maintaining a vital biological and emotional connection to their parent. 

The lactation program provides: 

• Milk expression education 
• Safe storage protocols 
• Coordinated milk shipment to caregivers 
• Ongoing lactation support 

By supporting breastfeeding and maternal-infant bonding, and through strong partnership with community lactation experts, the program improves infant health outcomes while helping parents remain connected to their babies during a difficult time. 

“This innovative program reflects our deep commitment to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for some of our most vulnerable families,” said Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.“By supporting incarcerated mothers and their babies with compassionate, evidence-based doula care, we are addressing critical gaps in maternal health, strengthening early bonding, and helping to break cycles of trauma. During World Doula Week, we are proud to highlight this important work that prioritizes dignity, healthy beginnings, and long-term public health impact for our communities.”  

A Patient’s Experience
For many participants, the program has been life changing. 

“The doula program has benefitted me in many ways, and I am very grateful to receive services from my doula. I do not know many people here, having a doula has offered me support when I needed it most,” said Mary, a program participant. “My doula has given me so much knowledge that I use on an everyday basis, helping my son grow and helping me navigate being a first-time mom. As a first-time mom, I tend to doubt myself at times, and my doula has given me reassurance and encouragement that eases my very busy mind. Lastly, my doula has helped me find other resources also for me and my son. The work you guys do makes a very big difference in my life, I truly appreciate all the assistance she has provided.” 

Her experience reflects the heart of the program — helping parents feel supported, respected, and empowered during pregnancy and early motherhood.  

Centering Dignity, Health, and Healing
Pregnancy during incarceration can be isolating and traumatic. This partnership was built to change that experience. By aligning clinical care, public health leadership, and community-based doula expertise, Los Angeles County is demonstrating what a Care First approach looks like in action — centering families, strengthening outcomes, and supporting healing. 

“JCOD is proud to support this work through CFCI funding and I want to commend the Department of Public Health for investing in access to trauma-informed doula care for people impacted by the justice system,” said JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.). “Consistent support during pregnancy and after birth can reduce isolation, strengthen engagement in care and help parents and babies build a stronger foundation from day one, even in the most difficult circumstances.” 

How to Access Services or Make a Referral
Pregnant individuals who are currently incarcerated at Century Regional Detention Facility — or who have recently been released — may be eligible for doula and lactation services. 

To learn more or make a referral: 

Email: AAIMMCFCI@ph.lacounty.gov. Please include: 

• Name 
• Phone number 
• Zip code 
• Estimated due date 
• Custody or release status 
• A program representative will follow up directly.