DoulaCONNECT

 Doula CONNECT

 Supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals in the North Country.

What is Doula CONNECT

Doula CONNECT provides cross-trained Doula Community Health Workers (CHWs) to anyone who is pregnant or within one year postpartum and living in the North Country of New Hampshire. A Doula CHW is a trained professional who supports you throughout your pregnancy journey and transition into parenthood, focusing on your health, wellness, and personal care. They also help address practical needs like housing, food security, transportation, mental health, and infant essentials. Our program is unique in that it focuses on education, advocacy, and support during the pregnancy and postpartum experience. Doula CHWs may attend births, but the emphasis is on ongoing support and connection to resources. Doula CONNECT is run by North Country Health Consortium (NCHC), a network partner of the North Country Maternal Network (NCMN)—a collaboration of seven organizations working together to provide the highest quality maternal care as close to home as possible.

What Doula CONNECT Offers

A Doula CHW can help you:

• Prepare for birth and postpartum.
• Explore birth and healthcare options.
• Understand your providers’ instructions and speak up for your needs.
• Navigate patient rights, responsibilities, and informed consent.
• Access lactation and postpartum support.
• Connect to community resources for caregivers and families.
• Identify and reduce challenges to a stable home environment.
• Access healthy food options and baby essentials.
• Receive emotional support during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

Doula CHWs cannot:

• Promise to attend your birth.
• Provide medical advice or clinical services.
• Provide transportation, financial assistance, or medication.
• Provide legal advice or support.

Do I Qualify?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are pregnant or within one year postpartum.
• Live in Coös or Northern Grafton County.
• Receive care or plan to deliver at:
  • Little Rivers Health Care Clinic (VT)
  • Coos County Family Health Services (NH)
  • Androscoggin Valley Hospital (NH)
  • Littleton Regional Healthcare (NH)
  • Northeastern VT Regional Hospital (VT)
  • Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (NH)
• Are age 18 or over (if under 18, contact Doula CONNECT directly).

Doula CONNECT services are at no cost to you.

	Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Call your provider or go to the ER/OB Triage immediately if you experience: Urgent Maternal Warning Signs -… Severe headache, vision changes, seizures. Severe belly pain or heavy bleeding after birth. Chest pain, trouble breathing, or fast heartbeat. Baby’s movements stop or slow. Fever, extreme swelling, or leg pain/redness. Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If you cannot reach your provider, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. Click here to view and print the full flyer.

	Maternal Mental Health Resources Pregnancy and postpartum bring big changes. It’s common to experience sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm—but you are not alone. Doula CONNECT is here for you. Common Conditions: Postpartum Depression (PPD): Lasting sadness, numbness, or difficulty bonding with baby. Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): Constant worry, racing thoughts, panic, or intrusive thoughts. Postpartum Psychosis (PPP): Rare but serious—may include hallucinations, delusions, confusion, or thoughts of harm. This is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately. Warning Signs to Seek Help: Feeling overwhelmed most of the time. Trouble sleeping or eating. Feeling disconnected or avoiding baby. Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. You deserve care and support. Call/text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (24/7 Maternal Mental Health Hotline) Call Doula CONNECT: 603-259-4459 Postpartum Support International helpline (call or text “help” to): 1-800-944-4773  For Spanish speaking text helpline: 971-203-7773 Available 8AM - 11PM EST Dial Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 988 for mental health emergencies  Talk to your healthcare provider. Click here to view and print the full handout.