Toronto doula service aims to reduce disparities in Black maternal and neonatal health

A Toronto project started in 2023 offers up to 12 months of nutritional and doula support to Black families after a 2016 McGill study reported higher preterm birth rates among Black mothers in Canada (8.9% versus 5.9% for white mothers).

When Jordyn Ledgister reviewed a 2016 McGill University study showing higher preterm birth rates for Black mothers in Canada, she saw a gap between data and community care. In 2023 she launched CommUnity Doulas in partnership with MakeWay to provide culturally grounded, community-based doula and nutritional support in Toronto. The project offers up to 12 months of support for Black families and received funding that expanded its reach. Researchers continue to study the causes of preterm birth differences across communities. What we know: - A 2016 McGill University study reported a preterm birth rate of 8.9% for Black mothers in Canada compared with 5.9% for white mothers. - In 2023 Jordyn Ledgister launched CommUnity Doulas through a partnership with MakeWay to deliver hands-on, culturally grounded doula and nutritional support in Toronto. - The project received $80,000 from the Foundation for Black Communities, which allowed it to expand to serve more than 20 families. - The Ontario Black Doula Society operates as an online community for Black doulas, while CommUnity Doulas focuses on direct client services. - Public Health Agency of Canada defines a doula as a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support but not medical care or diagnosis. Summary: The initiative responds to documented disparities in preterm birth by offering extended, community-based support to Black families in Toronto and has expanded with recent funding. Undetermined at this time.