Kansas City Expands Doula Program: First Cohort Announced and Free Doula Services for Families
The Kansas City Health Department, in partnership with Community Capital Fund (CCF), is proud to announce the first cohort of doulas selected to participate in the KC Doula Program, as well as the opening of Phase 2: providing free doula services for expecting families living within Kansas City.
Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the KC Doula Program is designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes while strengthening local doula businesses. Research shows doula care leads to healthier pregnancies and births—including lower cesarean rates, shorter labors, decreased postpartum depression, and more personalized birthing experiences.
Meet the 2025 Cohort
The following doulas have been selected to serve families through the KC Doula Program:
Aliyah McBride – Reclaiming Our Power
Arrin Blount – Sole Proprietor
Ashley Haden-Peaches – Peachy Births: Doula and Lactation Services
Esmeralda Hill – Emerald Service
Florese Nelson – Koko Doula Company
Heidi Mills – Bloc Births
Justice Gatson – Reale Justice Network
Mercedes Labrador – The Sacred Womb
Neysha Reyes Cruz – Olas de Amor KC
Ruth McCleery – Sole Proprietor
Shadae Carr – New Light Family Birth Services
Taylor Gatson – Blooming Blossoms
Voices from the Doulas
“By investing in both my personal development and community engagement, I’ll be better positioned to sustain and grow my practice in a way that is rooted in service, education, and empowerment.” — Aliyah McBride
“My ultimate goal is to reach more patients to provide services. As one of the only Black doulas who is also a lactation consultant, I am interested in being able to increase the support provided to parents needing lactation support.” — Ashley Haden-Peaches
“This grant will expand my services provided as well as knowledge to better serve the community. I will help to continue to provide a safe space where families can get items for their babies, as well as connect them to resources.” — Neysha Reyes Cruz
Phase 2: Free Doula Services for Expecting Families
Beginning September 29, 2025, the second phase of the KC Doula Program launches which provides expecting families with the opportunity to apply to receive free doula services. Families may apply with their selected doula to receive scholarships of up to $6,000 to cover care ranging from prenatal visits to postpartum guidance. Applications will be accepted through November 3, 2025.
For full details and to apply, visit www.ccfkansascity.org/DoulaKC or contact Community Capital Fund at grants@ccfkansascity.org or (816) 502-9584.