Shades of Motherhood Network:  Empowering the birthing journey through workforce training in culturally responsive care

Providence Inland Northwest Washington supports Shades of Motherhood Network, a Spokane-based non-profit dedicated to enhancing the birthing experiences of Black birthing individuals and their families. In 2024, Providence awarded $50,000 in grant funding to Shades of Motherhood Network to support its community-based doula program. 

The Spokane-based doula program is central to Shades of Motherhood Network's mission of creating a more diverse health care workforce and ensuring culturally competent care for families. The program focuses on recruiting, hiring, training and mentoring doulas from underrepresented communities. With support from Providence, the organization was able to provide essential resources such as equipment, certification training and compensation for doulas, ensuring they can continue to offer invaluable support to birthing individuals. 

In 2024, the community-based doula program provided care to 145 families, significantly improving birth outcomes and offering emotional and physical support during this critical time.  

Kathy, a mother supported by the Shades of Motherhood Network, had the incredible opportunity to experience childbirth with their guidance. Kathy initially felt overwhelmed and anxious about the birthing process but found solace and confidence through the dedicated care provided by her doula. The doula’s unwavering dedication and personalized care ensured Kathy had everything she needed during this critical time.

Despite the challenges she faced, the genuine care and support from Shades of Motherhood Network helped Kathy feel empowered and secure. The nurturing spirit of the doula and the resources provided by the program were, in Kathy's words, exactly what she had prayed for, enabling her to navigate childbirth with confidence and peace of mind.