Why Community Care Matters: The Power of Collective Support in Pregnancy & Postpartum

"It takes an entire village to raise a child" by Child Advocacy Artist, George E. Miller

I’m often asked: what is a community-based doula, and how is that different from a “regular” doula? The truth is, there isn’t really a difference in the foundation of what doulas provide. Both offer non-medical support—emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, and informational—to help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

What makes a community-based doula unique is the added layer of cultural connection and lived experience. These doulas are often from historically marginalized communities and carry a deep understanding of the cultural traditions, community resources, and unspoken needs of the families they serve. Many times, they share the same racial or ethnic background as their clients, which naturally builds comfort, trust, and belonging.

But why does community care matter so much? Does it really take a village to raise a baby—to care for mom, to check in on dad, to nurture the whole family?The answer is: yes, a thousand times yes.

Birth as a Collective Experience

Before the radical medicalization of birth in the 1960s and 70s, pregnancy and birth were seen as community celebrations across cultures. Families, elders, and neighbors gathered to prepare meals, share stories, and offer wisdom. Birth was honored as a natural, physiological event—and it still is.

Pregnancy and postpartum bring so much to the surface:

• Generational trauma and the need for healing

• Spiritual shifts that call for prayer, rituals, and grounding practices

• Physical demands of carrying and birthing a baby

• Emotional adjustments as parents step into new roles

And let’s not forget fathers and partners, who are navigating their own identities—learning to protect, provide, and nurture, while also recognizing signs of postpartum anxiety or depression in themselves and their loved ones. It is a lot: meals to prepare, cleaning to keep up with, sleepless nights, and the weight of building a new rhythm as a family.

Community as the First Line of Care

Community is the very first preventative measure against pregnancy and postpartum complications. It shows up in simple, everyday ways:

• A neighbor bringing over a warm meal

• A ride to a prenatal appointment

• Hand-me-down baby clothes and diapers

• A parent group that reminds you you’re not alone

• A trusted friend holding the baby so mom can rest

• Prayer circles, meditation, and affirmations whispered together

This collective care doesn’t just ease the load on parents—it has measurable, lasting impacts on the baby too. Research shows that increased oxytocin in the postpartum period supports bonding, healthy breastmilk let-down, and infant feeding. Babies thrive with better brain development, stronger immune systems, and reduced risks of anxiety or depression later in life.

The Power of the Village

Community care is not just a nice idea—it is a form of medicine, prevention, and protection. When we center the power of collective support, we not only nurture the birthing person but also strengthen the family unit and set the foundation for healthier generations to come.

Yes, it truly takes a village. And when we remember this truth, we can begin to reclaim pregnancy and postpartum as it was always meant to be: a shared journey of joy, care, and love.