About Us
Who are We?
We are a group of doulas from various backgrounds who have come together to make sure that mothers and families from all communities and income-levels can receive the support they need throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
- We are here to listen and support YOU so that your birth can be a joyful, memorable experience.
- We can help you navigate the medical system in Utah and educate you on your rights during your birth.
- We hold space and honor your culture and traditions that are important to you and your family.
Our History
Doulas for U began in 2023 as a partnership between the University of Utah Health Plans (Healthy U) and Comunidad Materna en Utah (CMU, an organization focused on serving expectant Hispanic families in Utah.) Healthy U recognized the amazing work that CMU was doing in the hispanic community and asked Mayra (Founder and Director of CMU) to run a new program that would extend doula support to families of all backgrounds no matter their financial constraints. Thus Doulas for U was born.
Our purpose is to seek equity in access to prenatal care, promote physical and emotional well-being among all birthing families. We have brought to light the profession of Doulas as the ideal resource for this stage of motherhood.
We promote learning opportunities for low-income families or those in vulnerable situations to have appropriate access to childbirth preparation, to learn about alternatives in prenatal care, and to serve as a bridge to connect with other resources.
Comunidad Materna founder, Mayra A. Sanchez, is dedicated to empowering pregnant women of color, is originally from Mexico and an immigrant, a proud mother of 9 children, and together with her husband, they have made Salt Lake City their home.
Currently, Doulas for U has a team that has come together at different stages of development:
Paola Guzman, facilitator of the Emotional Wellness group
Evelyn Santos, facilitator of the postpartum period
Sindi Virgin, facilitator of the breastfeeding group
Stefani Ramirez, social media development
Raquel Juica, in charge of community outreach.
Barbara Reyes, Perinatal Community Health Worker Liaison, in charge of facilitating relationships between our various communities and partners.
Malia Tomasi, Outreach facilitator, specialist in the Pacific Islander community
Sugey Lopez, Community Health home visits and outreach
Leslie Bercerra, Participant Navigator
Alejandra Medina, Community Health home visits and outreach
America Polanco- Home Visit Coordinator and Community Health Worker
Brenda Sanchez, Medicaid Navigator
Carmen Vargas, Financial Coordinator
Nicoletta Scapinic- Coordinator for all prenatal and breastfeeding classes
Yulieth Reyes- Community Health home visits and outreach
Every member of the Doulas for U team is a birth/postpartum doula and a healthcare worker in the community, which allows us to provide specialized support in pregnancy, birth/postpartum, and meet the basic needs of families. Serving families in their own language and cultural understanding.
The growth of Doulas for U gives us the vision of expanding services to other cities in the state. The effort and mutual support of governmental sectors, community organizations, and members themselves are essential. Seeking to reach places in the state where support is needed.
Our Yogis Say
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Marian Steve
Designer
Jodi Watson
Manager
