Tess Foster- Certified Birth Doula/DONA

04/08/2026

Haha, I love this!

17/07/2026

This press release is great news, also hopefully pointing towards a national certification to ensure quality training and competency for all doulas.

Health care in the United States is increasingly team-based, and doulas—who often provide emotional, physical, and educational support for patients during birth, the postpartum period, and beyond—are valuable members of many care teams.

ACOG’s new clinical guidance encourages ob-gyn collaboration with doulas and gives ob-gyns the tools they need to better understand a doula’s role. It also highlights the importance of stronger partnerships between clinicians and doulas, which can provide vital support across the lifespan—including during and after pregnancy—and can lead to better patient outcomes.

Read the press release: https://bit.ly/4flN1Eq

30/06/2026

Happy Independence Day!

11/06/2026

When the military says, it’s time to go, I have to move on. Today, I sadly de-registered my doula practice with the German government. I have been so honored to support all the amazing families who have invited me to share some of their most significant moments. You all hold a special place in my heart and my memories. 

18/05/2026

I get so many questions about this. Hopefully this helps.

09/05/2026

If you received Doula support through TRICARE, or if you feel, it is important to provide military families, often stationed far away from their own support system with Doula support, please submit a comment to the link below.

🚨ALL HANDS ON DECK!🚨

The TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration has been approved for extension through 2031 and we need your voice❗️

This program supports access to doulas and lactation professionals for military families, and public comments matter in order to improve the program. We want decision makers to hear:

💪🏽 Why doula support is impactful
💪🏽 Why military families deserve equitable access expanded to military hospitals
💪🏽 Why sustainable reimbursement rates and easier access to being a provider matter

This , please take a few minutes to submit your comment and share your professional or personal experience supporting military families.

Public comments close this Monday, May 11th, 2026🗓️

🔗 Submit your public comment here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/10/2026-06913/extension-of-the-tricare-childbirth-and-breastfeeding-support-demonstration?utm_source=chatgpt.com -comment

Once you’ve submitted your feedback, comment “DONE” below so we can celebrate the collective impact of our community!🎉

20/04/2026

A 2025 study published in AJOG adds powerful, up-to-date data showing associations between doula care and improved maternal and newborn outcomes.

Key Maternal Outcomes:

More vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC): For every 100 patients who received doula care, there were 15 to 34 additional VBACs compared with those without doula care.

Higher postpartum follow-up attendance: 5 to 6 more per 100 received postpartum office visits.

Key Neonatal / Infant Outcomes

Increased exclusive breastfeeding rates: Babies whose families had doula support were more likely to breastfeed exclusively.

Fewer preterm births (and early preterm births): Doula-supported births showed a reduction in preterm birth rates.

In short, the study links doula care with improvements in birth outcomes — across birth mode (more VBACs), infant health (less prematurity), and early infant care (breastfeeding, postpartum follow-up).

Read more: https://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2025/11/evidence-for-doulas-new-ajog-study-finds-doulas-improve-outcomes/

09/04/2026

Updated recommendations for mastitis care, explained simply.

27/03/2026