Who We Are
The Chicago Illinois Doula Coalition Network (CIDCN) is a statewide coalition of doulas, midwives, birth workers, and community-based organizations working together to advance birth justice across Illinois. We are rooted in community leadership, cultural grounding, and collective care, and united by a shared commitment to transforming maternal and reproductive health systems.
What We Do
CIDCN brings together partners across Illinois to strengthen, standardize, and expand access to equitable, community-led birth care.
Build a statewide network of doulas, birth workers, and community organizations
Advance birth equity through advocacy, policy change, and systems transformation
Develop shared standards and training pathways for doulas across Illinois
Support sustainable infrastructure for doula education, certification, and professional development
Create a centralized resource hub for training, tools, and community knowledge-sharing
Strengthen collaboration between doulas, healthcare systems, and policymakers
Expand access to culturally grounded, trauma-informed maternal care for all birthing people
Who’s Part of the Network
CIDCN believes that every birthing person deserves equitable, culturally grounded care and that doulas and birth workers must be supported as essential leaders in transforming maternal health systems.
Our Mission
CIDCN is dedicated to transforming maternal and reproductive health in Illinois by:
Advocating for policies that fund and institutionalize doula care within maternal health systems
Establishing statewide certification standards and professional development pathways for doulas
Building a sustainable infrastructure for resource-sharing, mentorship, and financial stability for doulas
Creating a central support network for doulas, birth workers, and families to access information, training, and advocacy tools
Addressing maternal health disparities by prioritizing culturally competent and community-based approaches
Our Vision
A future where every birthing person in Illinois has access to equitable, culturally competent, and high-quality doula care, free from systemic barriers. We envision a network of doulas and birth workers unified in advocacy, professional standards, and resource-sharing to uplift maternal and reproductive health outcomes across all communities.
Our Values
CIDCN is guided by equity, cultural grounding, community leadership, and birth justice. The coalition is committed to collaboration, accountability, and autonomy while honoring the lived experiences of birthing people and the essential role of doulas as trusted, community-based caregivers.
What We’re Working On
Statewide Framework for Doula Education
We’re developing the CIDCN Model of Care — a statewide framework for doula + birth worker education and birth justice advocacy that combines training, collaboration, and CEU-aligned learning opportunities. Rooted in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care, it will strengthen professional growth, support statewide collaboration, and advance equity in birth care while honoring the expertise of participating organizations.
Advocacy
CIDCN is developing a statewide advocacy platform that brings together doulas, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community advocates to advance birth equity across Illinois. Through collaboration and community-led action, the platform will support culturally grounded care, empower doulas as leaders in maternal health reform, and drive policy change that addresses systemic inequities in birth care.
Resource Center
We’re building an online resource center that will serve as a centralized hub for doulas, birth workers, families, and partners across Illinois. This platform will provide affordable access to training materials, advocacy tools, educational resources, and culturally grounded best practices to support high-quality, equitable care. Designed to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing statewide, it will help unify and uplift birth work while expanding access to trusted, community-led information.
Family Resources Mobile App
CIDCN is creating a statewide family resource mobile app designed to connect pregnant people, new parents, and families with the trusted supports they need to thrive. The platform will bring together maternal health education, healthcare resources, social services, food and diaper programs, parenting support, and community-based resources in one accessible, easy-to-use tool. Rooted in community knowledge and birth justice principles, the app will help families navigate complex systems, access culturally responsive care, and build stronger connections to the resources that support healthy pregnancies, births, and families.