Empowering Doulas. Transforming Maternal Health in Arkansas.

Join a statewide movement supporting families, elevating birth workers, and improving outcomes—one birth at a time.

BECOME A MEMBER | FIND A DOULA | SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT

Illustration of hands holding a heart-shaped Arkansas map with a star and a crack, surrounded by flowers, with text reading 'The Hands That Heal' above and 'Arkansas Awards' below.

The Hands That Hold Arkansas Awards

Honoring the heart of birthwork across Arkansas

The Hands That Hold Arkansas Awards honor the birth workers and maternal health professionals who make Arkansas a safer, more compassionate place for families. These awards celebrate the doulas, OBGYNs, midwives, IBCLCs, CLCs, breastfeeding peer counselors, and community supporters whose hands guide families through some of life’s most transformative moments.

We invite the public to nominate individuals who demonstrate:

  • Exceptional compassion and care

  • Commitment to maternal health equity

  • Advocacy for families and communities

  • Collaboration across the birth and medical community

  • Cultural humility and respect

  • Dedication to improving outcomes for Arkansas families

Through these awards, we uplift the stories that often go untold — the quiet acts of courage, the steady presence in moments of vulnerability, and the skilled hands that hold families with dignity and love.

Nominations are open to all Arkansans.
Help us honor the people who help us thrive.


Nominate Now
Collage of women in various healthcare and support settings, including a group photo of women smiling, a nurse holding a newborn baby and a woman in a hospital bed, and three healthcare workers smiling in a hospital corridor.

Who We Are

The Doula Alliance of Arkansas is a statewide membership organization working to improve maternal health by supporting and advancing the doula profession. We believe every family deserves access to compassionate, culturally responsive care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION

Why Doula Care Is Essential

  • A group of healthcare workers or emergency responders assisting a person in a hospital room or medical setting. They are gathered around the patient, who appears to be lying on a bed, and are focused on providing care.

    Improved Birth Outcomes

    In Arkansas, doula-supported births are associated with higher birth weights, reduced use of interventions, and increased rates of breastfeeding. Families supported by doulas often experience shorter labors and fewer complications—especially in underserved communities across Little Rock and Pine Bluff.

  • A woman with closed eyes holding a black garment, lying on a bed with a yellow blanket. There is a person with dark curly hair leaning over her, wearing a blue shirt. A large blue water container is beside them, and the photo appears to be taken from a selfie perspective.

    Reduced Maternal Mortality

    Arkansas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the U.S., and 95% of maternal deaths in the state are considered preventable. Access to culturally competent doulas offers a vital layer of advocacy, education, and emotional support that helps close these life-threatening gaps—particularly in Black and rural populations.

  • A woman in a hospital gown with a red headband sitting on a hospital bed, receiving comfort from a female healthcare worker. In the background, a woman in white scrubs is attending to medical monitors and equipment.

    Emotional & Physical Support

    Doulas provide continuous, hands-on care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum—offering emotional reassurance, pain management techniques, and informed decision-making support. In regions like Hot Springs and beyond, this trusted presence can dramatically reduce stress and improve overall birthing experiences.

GET INVOLVED

Doula Membership

  • For certified or aspiring doulas

  • Includes directory listing, networking, education

Join as a Doula

Community Partnerships

  • For organizations, businesses, and supporters

  • Multiple membership tiers with benefits

Become a Partner

Stay Connected. Support the Shift in
Maternal Health Across Arkansas.

Be part of the growing movement to transform maternal health outcomes in Arkansas through the power of doula care. Whether you're a birth worker, healthcare provider, community advocate, or supporter, your voice matters. Join our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming events, policy efforts, training opportunities, and ways to support families in Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, and beyond.

Together, we’re building a future where every birth is respected, supported, and empowered.