The International Breastfeeding Institute, part of the International Doula Institute, partners with major health systems and universities. Recently, IDI partnered with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
UAMS launched a comprehensive doula training program to improve maternal health outcomes across the state. In partnership with organizations like the Doula Alliance of Arkansas and Ujima Maternity Network, UAMS aims to train 200 new doulas over the next two years.
This program includes 40 hours of in-person training, a three-day virtual session, certification in breastfeeding counseling, and guidance on establishing a doula business. They’ve chosen IDI’s International Breastfeeding Institute to provide their comprehensive training to become Certified Breastfeeding Counselors.
UAMS Doula Scholarship Program
As you likely know, doulas are trained birth support who provide continuous emotional, physical, and evidence-based support before, during and after birth. A full spectrum doula typically has additional training in lactation support, perinatal wellness, and postpartum wellness.
With UAMS’s comprehensive community doula training, they are working towards improving birth outcomes within the state of Arkansas. Thanks to support from the Arkansas Blue & You Foundation, and the Arkansas Community Foundation, scholarships valued over $3,000 were made available to people committed to becoming a doula.
The integration of doulas into maternity care has been associated with improved birth outcomes, reduced maternal mortality, and healthier families.
The International Doula Institute Partnered With UAMS
Part of becoming a doula who can make a difference in the community is being able to offer continuity of care. In the US, our breastfeeding initiation and duration rates are lower than ideal for a developed nation.
Despite most families expressing interest in breastfeeding, around 83% of US birthing parents initiate breastfeeding, and decline to 25% still exclusively breastfeeding by 6 months. So, while many parents intend to breastfeed, many stop breastfeeding before their personal breastfeeding goals.
The role of a doula and a certified breastfeeding counselor (CBC) is to provide support and education with typical breastfeeding initiation. It is also within their scope to aid with common ailments at initiation and for the entire duration of lactation. They are also skilled in knowing when to refer families for more specialized support.
When doulas are also CBCs, more families have access to specialized lactation support. This can help increase breastfeeding initiation and duration.
The International Doula Institute Partnered With New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
IDI partnered with NYP to provide comprehensive lactation education to their staff. This collaboration aimed to improve breastfeeding support for maternity patients by equipping healthcare professionals with specialized knowledge and skills. Dozens of staff members became Certified Breastfeeding Counselors in 2024 and 2025.
IDI’s International Breastfeeding Institute’s Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) certification offers 40 hours of lactation-specific education, approved by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE).
Through this program, nurses, midwives, and physician assistants at New York-Presbyterian were or are being trained to become CBCs. This enhances their ability to assist families with breastfeeding initiation and support. This initiative aligns with global health recommendations emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding initiation rates as a critical measure of maternal and infant health.
As a globally recognized training program, the International Doula Institute and its International Breastfeeding Institute, partner with major health systems and universities to increase access to quality training.