Doula Yaa Konadu Nti has been a doula for 11 years, but she jokes that her first patient was when she was 10 years old at her mom's side during the birth of her younger sister. "[Birthing] is a very anxiety-inducing time," she says. "Doulas are there for support. It's like having your sister there." In 1971, under Nurse-Midwife Margaret Hewitt's visionary leadership, established Minnesota's first hospital-based nurse-midwife practice, pioneering a model of care that continues to thrive today.
This legacy lives on through Hennepin Healthcare's Nurse-Midwife Service, led by Jessica Holm, the Service and Division Director of Midwifery. Committed to innovation and personalized care, Holm and her team work tirelessly to enhance birth experiences so that individuals receive compassionate, evidence-based support and excellent outcomes The doula program is one of the most impactful initiatives championed by the Hennepin Healthcare Midwife Service.
Created through philanthropic support and a strong partnership with Everyday Miracles, Hennepin Healthcare offers trained doula support in labor and birth for any birthing person, at no cost to them. This program connects birthing individuals with doulas who provide emotional and physical support through labor and childbirth. In 2024, the program supported 600 families through labor and birth, resulting in 275 doula-assisted vaginal births at Hennepin Healthcare.
"I tell my patients, 'I am 100% for you.' I am an advocate for the mom to make sure she gets what she needs and the support she needs," said Yaa. "I always feel honored to be part of such a sacred space." It could be weeks, months, or even a year later, and Yaa will still receive messages and pictures of gratitude from past patients. She received a text message from a mother whom she was a doula for: "I was going through my paperwork, and I found this, and all the memories of you struck my mind. I wondered why I never named my baby after you. How do you pronounce it [correctly]? Because I am now thinking of nicknaming her after you, kindly help me with the proper pronunciation."
Patients consistently praised their doulas for their kindness and essential support during labor. A formal evaluation, jointly led by Samatha Lucas-Pipkorn with Hennepin County Public Health and Jessica, tracked healthcare outcomes and collected invaluable feedback. Ninety-three percent of patients stated they would recommend the doula program to others. One patient said, "My doula had such a positive impact on my birth experience that I can't imagine doing it without her." Many Hennepin Healthcare team members have highlighted the importance of expanding patient access to doula care. "The support patients receive during labor is incredibly valuable. The doula program is a necessary and highly important part of our labor and delivery team," said an OB/GYN physician.
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges, pulling doulas out of the workforce and restricting hospital access for support personnel. The program survived and thrived thanks to critical pandemic funding from Hennepin County. The funding ensured the continuation of the doula program, allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of its impact, and supported essential Maternal Child Health Consulting services for Hennepin Healthcare. By fostering these collaborations, Hennepin Healthcare continues to set the standard for inclusive, patient-centered maternity care. Every birth deserves expert care, dignity, and unwavering support. View video
Yaa: What brings me joy as a doula
Doulas provide physical comfort and emotional support during labor. They facilitate communication among patients, families, and the healthcare team. When a doula is present, patients are more likely to:
- Have a normal, vaginal birth and avoid a cesarean birth.
- Avoid using pain medication during labor.
- Have positive feelings about childbirth.
- Have a shorter labor.
- Have a healthy baby.
Yaa shares her experience as a doula. View video
Meet the Midwives
Each midwife brings experience and something special to the team. Learn more about each midwife and why they love their job. Video also available in Spanish and Somali. Visit the Meet the Midwives page for more.
