Doula Services

Supporting Families Through Their First Year

The Doula Services support mothers, babies, and families through pregnancy and the early postpartum period. This family-centered service is offered by Wazoki which is Ho-Chunk for Kinship Program. Rooted in the values of Kinship, connection, and culture, this family-centered program provides guidance, education, and hands-on support to help families build a strong and healthy foundation. 

Helping the Mother 

At the heart of this program is a focus on supporting the mothers. From pregnancy through delivery and even in the first weeks after birth, our team is of trained Doula's are here to walk alongside you - offering emotional and physical support, comfort techniques, guidance, partner assistance, and advocacy. By supporting mothers, we strengthen families and nurture healthier communities. 

What to Expect

A doula is first and foremost a trained care advocate dedicated to helping you have the birth journey you want. In Winnebago, our Doula program prides itself in helping educate expecting families to understand some of the traditional cultural practices of the Hocak people for bring life into this world. 

  • During Pregnancy: Your dedicated doula begin meeting with your to assist you providing education, options, and help connecting you to resources. We want to help you build your Wazoki or Kinship system that will support you throughout this next phase of life. 
  • During Birth: The trained doula can even be there during the delivery to coach or be an advocate for your birth plan during delivery process. Please note, Nebraska does not allow for homebirths but doulas are permited to be in the room.
  • After Birth: Our team member will be a trusted support during the first weeks after your child is born to support both mother and baby during this important transition.

This care is provided by a dedicated, culturally supportive team all of whom are carefully selected and trained to meet the needs of the families we serve. 

Getting Started

To enroll in this program, you must reside on the Winnebago Reservation, and families can be referred to the program through their Primary Care Provider, Public Health Nursing (PHN), or just reach out if they are interested. If you are interested in participating, speak with your provider and/or inquire about the program to get started!