The Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP), delivered by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, provides financial support to Indigenous families for full spectrum doula services.
The goal of the program is to increase healthy birth outcomes for Indigenous families by removing the cost barrier to accessing doula supports and bringing the birthing process closer to home.
In order to support Indigenous families through the DAFGP, doulas must submit a completed Doula Registration Formand provide the following:
2. Current and clear Criminal Records Check – Vulnerable Sector Check
3. Signed agreement to uphold the Statement of Practice of the program
4. For all non-Indigenous doulas, the completion of a cultural safety training. If you are yet to complete a cultural safety training, or if you are interested in a cultural safety training specific to birth work, we offer an online DAFGP cultural safety training free of charge. This training take approximately 2-3hrs to complete.
Please allow up to two weeks for processing. Doulas must receive confirmation of approval before accepting clients through the DAFGP.
Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant
Once doulas are approved, families who are eligible can apply for the grant to obtain doulas services. We ask that doulas work closely with families in order to complete the Family Application Form, so together, you can plan the doula care and ensure all needs and expectations are met.
Within two weeks of completing services, doulas must submit a birth story summary and DAFGP Invoice. The total must not exceed $1,200 per pregnancy. Any amount exceeding $1,200 will not be reimbursed and must be discussed with the client prior. Families must review and sign these documents before doulas submit them for processing.
Travel Grant
The DAFGP provides travel grants in order to increase access to doula services to Indigenous families. Funding for travel is based on a first come, first served policy until program dollars are fully disbursed.
Travel grants are available for doulas to:
a) Accompany a client giving birth in a hospital or home birth accompanied by a Midwife
b) Provide prenatal and postpartum visits to a client (coverage for ground travel only)
c) Attend doula trainings
To apply for funding, doulas are required to submit the Travel Grant Form (travel estimate) and a short rationale for your request. The BCAAFC must pre-authorize all travel, otherwise expenses will not be covered.
Doulas will be required to resubmit the Travel Grant Form (travel claim) confirming expenses (which may differ slightly from the estimate) with supporting receipts attached within 30 days from the date of return.
Words from a doula..
"My client had her baby almost 4 weeks early yesterday afternoon in a very beautiful birth. An eagle "escorted" her and I in my car to the hospital and trusted doctors were the ones who were on call. In what was an extremely stressful and anxiety ridden experience those elements of peace were welcomed gratefully! I provided more hours than is typical because her situation is one of high needs. Mom has a 15-month old son with some delays & epilepsy at home and will soon be bringing her new baby home too. (He's appearing totally healthy at this point!) She has no partner and very little other support."
Words from a doula..
"Working with mom and her partner was such a wonderful experience. We spent a lot of time talking about the birth experience, and aftercare. Mom was an amazing birthing mama! She took to heart everything we talked about and did fantastic. We were at home for a large portion of the labour, getting to the hospital about 4 am. I think the hardest part was the over loving family members that didn't want to stay in the waiting room! Baby is so handsome! We had a bit of a rough start with breastfeeding, but we keep at it! We sent mama home with a breast pump and some nutrition/herbal suggestions or bringing in her milk. We continued breastfeeding support in our postpartum visits. All in all, this was a beautiful/amazing client."
Words from a doula..
"Mom's labour started via induction after her water broke during a sweep, which was really hard for her. A lot of my support on the big day were needed before she was really feeling her contractions. Her partner was freshly in the picture again and he needed a fair bit of direction, but was willing and wanting to help however he could. Mom really found her rhythm, and her partner was a big part of it."