Doula Support Foundation: Nurturing New Families With Compassion and Connection
Becoming a parent can be both joyful and overwhelming, especially for families facing systemic barriers, trauma, or financial hardship. In Kingston, the Doula Support Foundation (DSF), with support from a grant from the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, is quietly transforming the experience for new parents, offering free or low-cost doula support that fosters confidence, safety, and community from pregnancy through postpartum.
DSF’s mission centers on inclusion and equity. The organization is committed to ensuring that all expectant parents, especially those who would not otherwise be able to access support, can benefit from the care of a trained doula. Services include emotional support, guidance through labor and delivery, physical comfort measures, and educational resources to help parents make informed choices.
The impact is tangible: doulas help reduce parental stress, improve birth outcomes, and offer a steady, caring presence during an often vulnerable time. For marginalized families, this support can be life-changing, lessening anxiety, navigating complex systems, and building a foundation of trust.
For Jess Surtees, DSF doula and board member, the vision is simple but powerful: “We believe every family deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered during this life-changing moment. We want people to know they’re not alone, and we’re here to help.”
The program’s work is driven by a team of dedicated doulas who are now able to extend their services to a greater number of expectant parents while receiving sustainable funding thanks to the new operating grant. This not only ensures the well-being and sustainability of the organization’s care, but also addresses burnout among doulas, empowering them to provide high-quality, personalized services to more families each year.
In 2025, DSF will support between 27 and 40 clients, each with their own story and set of needs. As awareness grows around the essential role doulas play, especially for marginalized communities, DSF hopes to inspire more families to seek support, ask questions, and connect.
By offering care that is culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and financially accessible, Doula Support Foundation is building a network of care where every family feels welcomed and every parent is set up for a more confident beginning.