How it all started
Community Doula Access (CDA) was initiated by 5 local doulas who recognized a gap in accessibility to their services, and decided to take action.
Typically, doula care operates on a fee-for-service model, and is not covered by provincial or private health insurance. While this model ensures that doulas are accountable directly to their clients, it also creates inequity in access due to cost.
Community Doula Access was created to break down the cost barrier for families in accessing postpartum support, while ensuring sustainability for doulas providing care.
Community Doula Access is a model that supports prosperity for families in need of care, and the doulas providing care.
Our Values
New families deserve low-barrier access to continuous & non-judgemental emotional, practical and educational support from a professional postpartum doula.
All families deserve these supports regardless of income
Families deserve support that is attentive to their experiences, ability, gender, sexuality, race, religion, age, citizenship, indigeneity, or family structure.
Professional doulas serving new families deserve to be compensated for their work at the market rate.
Professional doulas deserve the right to emotional and financial sustainability in their work (i.e. not to be overworked and underpaid).
Professional doulas should tailor their care to the wishes of new families, encouraging the family to identify their needs and make informed decisions regarding their care plan..