Hannia Bolanos, pregnant with her first child, was excited to have a natural birth. However, when an unexpected diagnosis of preeclampsia changed that, she was not alone in figuring out a new game plan. Her doulas helped her pivot; adapting the pre-birth techniques and tools to a new plan and informing her of what each step would look like. Hannia admitted that without the doulas, she would have been very lost during her birth experience. Being prepped on what to expect, from the procedures to the pain, and how to communicate with her care team at the hospital helped eliminate the fear and uncertainty.
“The whole experience, from before the hospital visit to the labor and then recovery, was amazing. The breathing techniques were very helpful!” The thing was, Hannia had not expected to have a doula present with her at the hospital, much less pre- and post-delivery. Prior to her first meeting, she did not know what a doula was. However, she readily agreed when she was offered the service at one of her routine check-ups with a childbirth educator at TrueCare. This changed everything for her.
The doulas offered support, guidance, and tips in various forms. During labor, they supported her with breathing and relaxation techniques. Post-partum, they provided invaluable assistance with the baby. During recovery, they helped by teaching new approaches to latching and burping.
The birth doula program is only one of the services TrueCare has launched to address the barriers marginalized communities face, such as higher maternal mortality rates. This new program offers doulas at low to no cost for patients enrolled in the prenatal program, including those with Medi-Cal, private insurance, or self-paying.
TrueCare’s doula program exemplifies the nonprofit community health center’s dedication to finding innovative solutions. Beyond women’s health, TrueCare addresses key social determinants of health, such as access to care, nutrition, literacy, and behavioral health, ensuring that children in the community are well-positioned for long-term success and improved health.
Recognizing the ongoing mental health crisis, TrueCare also operates under an Integrated Behavioral Health Model to reduce stigma and normalize mental health care for patients. This approach ensures patients receive behavioral health support during all primary or specialty care visits throughout their health care journey, with seamless referrals or warm handoffs to behavioral health professionals.
TrueCare’s 2025 gala, ILLUMINATION: Lighting a Pathway to Belonging, on April 12th, will raise funds for comprehensive programs that promote growth and belonging for infants, children, teens, and young adults, like the doula program. TrueCare relies on community support to continue expanding its mission of accessible health care for all. Your donation supports patients like Hannia, turning life’s major moments from stressful and fearful into experiences of joy and wonder. To learn more or contribute, please visit www.truecare.org.
