LyTisa Greene was just 14 years old when her life changed forever. While her peers were trying to navigate the rigors of ninth grade algebra, LyTisa, also known as Lady, was trying to solve a different problem—she was going to be a mother. Instead of allowing teenage motherhood to define her, Lady used it to ignite her passion for improving maternal health in underserved communities.
Today, Lady is one of 120 doulas who have completed United Way of Tarrant County’s (UWTC) community doula training program, in partnership with the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL). Now a full spectrum doula with UWTC/CPAL, she provides essential support to mothers throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
“My experience with this program so far has been amazing,” Lady shared. “Being able to be there and hearing the mamas like ‘Lady, I’m so glad you’re here for me,' - that just warms my heart.”
The Community Doula Program was born out of the need to combat the high maternal mortality rate in Tarrant County, particularly in the 76104 ZIP code in Fort Worth. Many pregnant women in this neighborhood face serious challenges accessing the care they need and having their voices heard during pre- and post-natal care. As a result, this neighborhood had the second highest maternal mortality rate in Texas.
“[It] melts my heart that that I am able to be there for them and to advocate, and to assist them into a healthy delivery and a healthy baby,” said Lady.
A unique and powerful aspect of the community doula program is that many of its doulas come from the same communities they serve. By pairing pregnant women from these underserved communities and doulas with shared life experiences, the program bridges the trust gap in maternal and infant health.
“I’ve supported six deliveries so far with the program and all of them have been different. All of them have been amazing. And all of them have warmed my heart. For the simple fact that they needed me, and they reached out to me, and they stayed consistent in the program, which let me know that we are necessary,” she said.
While doulas are not medical professionals, their role in maternal health is invaluable. They provide both physical and emotional support, advocate for mothers during the birthing process and offer guidance to the entire family. Their presence can make a profound difference in both the birthing experience and postpartum care.
For Lady, witnessing the success of mothers who have received this kind of support has been inspiring.
“If I got pregnant now, having a doula would be a great experience. I would be very honored to have a doula on my side,” said Lady.
About United Way of Tarrant County’s Community Doulas Program
Launched in 2022, UWTC’s Maternal Health initiative includes training men and women in Tarrant County to serve as doulas in the community. After graduation, many of these doulas provide no-cost care, thanks to stipends provided by the UWTC through CPAL. Doula services include educating expectant mothers during pregnancy, coaching them through labor and providing a helping hand at home postpartum.
While this program initially supported moms in ZIP code 76104, we’ve identified women in 23 other Tarrant County ZIP codes who want these services. Our plan is to expand this program across the country as funding becomes available. Thanks to a matching $1M gift from an anonymous donor, we are able to start this work but need the community’s help to make a difference. If you would like to contribute to this program, please contact development@unitedwaytarrant.org.