About the Nonprofit
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Sokana Collective is intentionally designed to benefit marginalized populations and we do this by standing on our mission to remove barriers for birth workers and families through education and service. This is accomplished through abortion, fertility, labor and postpartum support, including perinatal education, and lactation support, as well as certifications/workshops and referrals for ongoing assistance. Sokana Collective encompasses and embodies birth justice by centering around the idea that all individuals should have equitable access to safer, respectful, and supportive reproductive and birthing experiences. We recognize that various social, economic, and systemic factors can lead to disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities.
Our model is designed to support and amplify the work of educators and doulas, giving them a place
to gather, share experiences, and receive the training and guidance necessary to succeed as birth
workers. Our organization places a strong emphasis on collaboration so that participants feel
empowered throughout their journey. Through our training academy, we offer a full spectrum doula
certification course which teaches the fundamentals of doula support and emphasizes on the history
of doula work and the birth justice movement, continuing education programs, mentorship, as well
as, workshops for parents and families. Through our direct services, we provide comprehensive
doula support, and collaborate with hospitals and birthing centers to amplify the work of doulas,
nurses, and midwives in achieving the health outcomes they desire for laboring parents and
newborns. Both of these programs allow individuals to prepare themselves to confidently go out in
the world and be empowering doula professionals while addressing disproportionate health
outcomes of birthing parents and babies.
One of our aims is to make the many advantages of doula support more accessible to communities in
the Chicagoland area that are unlikely to use doulas due to high costs and/or a lack of access or
knowledge of what a doula is/does. Through culturally relevant supports that provide knowledge
and social-emotional encouragement, we increase the likelihood that individuals who would
otherwise be excluded from such support will gain access to health equity.
