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The Fort Worth/Dallas Birthing Project is a community based
organization participating in the effort to reduce the infant mortality
rate in North Texas. Our mission is to improve
birth outcomes through a holistic approach in providing practical
support to families in our community.
Our SisterFriend Program does
this by matching a community volunteer with a high risk pregnant woman
to provide her with emotional support. It is often referred to as the
underground railroad of our times. Women who are “freed” to the point
of functioning in our society are going back and leading other women to
“freedom,” one on one.
The concept of the SisterFriend Program differs from most outreach and
support projects in that it utilizes volunteers, or “SisterFriends,” to
do individual case management using the concepts of the extended
family. Our SisterFriends are all over 21 years of age from all walks
of life. They attend childbirth education, breast feeding and parenting
classes with their "Little Sisters," and participate as a birth
partner, if appropriate.
Although we target pregnant black and third generation Hispanic women
of all ages and circumstances because of their disproportionately low
birth weights and infant mortality rates, we accept women of all races.
Our goal is to remove the barriers that affect birth outcomes. Little
Sisters receive direction, support and advocacy necessary to identify
and obtain health care, labor support when appropriate, learn good
pregnancy and life style behaviors for herself and baby, links with
health care providers and human service agencies, and assistance in
returning to school or work while being empowered to function as an
adult who can manage her own life.
The SisterFriends and Little Sisters are usually matched in groups of
10, creating a “baby bunch.” While together they learn about childbirth
education, breastfeeding, nutrition, baby care, birth control, and
sexually transmitted diseases. We also sponsor a newborn care class for
our Little Sisters, dads and additional caregivers in their families.
And for those Little Sisters in need of support and counseling for past
or present sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, services will be
provided.
Our Aintie-Tia Program trains our
"Ainties" and "Tias" how to better serve the women and teens in our
community. Our full-time Aintie-Tias provide education,
empowerment and support to over 50 high risk pregnant women each
year. The Aintie-Tias are DONA certified community-based doulas
who are Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators.
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