OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition is proud to announce the expansion of its Postpartum Doula Program, a key initiative to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Okeechobee County, an area identified as a maternal and child care desert.

Launched in 2022, the Healthy Start Community Doula Program was created in direct response to these challenges. The program provides free support services aimed at reducing disparities and promoting health for all families.

Thanks to funding awarded from the Florida Blue Foundation and the Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee, the program is expanding to offer enhanced postpartum support to all mothers residing in Okeechobee County at no cost to participants.

Postpartum doulas will provide in-home visits focused on education, emotional support, and personalized care to help new mothers navigate the physical and emotional demands of the postpartum period. Services will include tailored guidance on newborn care, coping strategies, and self-care, ensuring mothers are well-equipped during this critical time.

In addition to postpartum doula support, the expansion includes comprehensive mental health services through a partnership with Jessica Lea of Waves of Change, LLC, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health. Jessica will provide individual counseling and facilitate peer support groups to help mothers manage the emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

These monthly peer groups will offer a welcoming, stigma-free environment for mothers to share experiences, foster connections, and access mental health care in a safe and supportive space. They are offered on the second Tuesday of every month at 10:30 am. While the moms are recharging with their peers in the group session, they are able to bring their children to enjoy a free kids’ group facilitated by Megan Clements, LMHC.

“When we strengthen maternal health, we strengthen families and entire communities,” said Andrea Medellin, Executive Director of Okeechobee Healthy Start. “This expansion reflects our deep commitment to supporting every mother in Okeechobee physically, emotionally, and mentally through every stage of her journey.”

All services, including postpartum doula care, mental health counseling, and monthly peer support groups, are completely free for postpartum women residing in Okeechobee County.

For more information about the Postpartum Doula Program or to enroll in services, contact the Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition at 863-462-5877 or visit www.okeehealthystart.org.