Story perspectives

Indigenous Doulas Trained Amid Maine's Birthing Unit Closures

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness trained about 30 doulas as eleven birthing units closed in the last decade, leaving 17 hospitals with delivery wards.
Lisa Sockabasin, co-CEO of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, said most trainees were Indigenous.
The program connects families with services for substance use, poverty, and mental health.
The training was funded by a $385,000 state grant, while funding challenges may delay Maine's Indigenous birthing center.

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Story summary

Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness trained about 30 doulas as eleven birthing units closed in the last decade, leaving 17 hospitals with delivery wards.
Lisa Sockabasin, co-CEO of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, said most trainees were Indigenous.
The program connects families with services for substance use, poverty, and mental health.
The training was funded by a $385,000 state grant, while funding challenges may delay Maine's Indigenous birthing center.