A Non-Profit Organization Supporting and Educating Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Doulas Supporting Teens, Eugene and Springfield Oregon

Doulas Supporting Teens Services

Pregnancy

  • Doula support for pregnant teen and her support person(s)
  • In-home prenatal visits
  • Preparation of a birth plan
  • Teen-centered childbirth education classes
  • Referrals to community resources

Labor and Birth

  • Continuous emotional, physical and informational support by a trained and experienced doula
  • Facilitate communication between laboring teens and care providers
  • Support to laboring teen's support person(s)

Early Parenting

  • Breastfeeding education and support
  • Screening for post-partum depression
  • In-home postpartum visits
  • Education in newborn characteristics and care
  • Promotion of positive parenting
  • Parenting education groups up to 6 months of age
Social Activities are a valued part of our program and a key component to creating a positive and supportive community for our pregnant and parenting teen clients. For the last three years DST has hosted two annual social events where we collect donations from the community and give away them away at each event. These donations include maternity clothes, pregnancy and parenting books, baby and toddler clothes, baby furniture, toys, diapers, and newborn skin care products. In addition we offer several smaller events through out the year that provide an opportunity for pregnant and parenting teens to gather with their children, socialize and create positive relationships.

Information, referrals, and networking offer teen mothers and fathers opportunities to connect with specific resources of support and build community during and beyond the childbearing year. DST offers referrals to:

  • agencies who can assist in finding safe housing
  • treatment for drugs and alcohol
  • counseling for emotional/mental/psychological issues
  • lactation support
  • acquiring free items needed to care for a baby
  • care providers to serve them during birth and parenting
  • programs to assist them in completing high school and furthering their education/training

Home Visits

Home Visiting is a vital element of the Doulas Supporting Teens program. DST offers the most extensive home visiting program in Lane County with the pregnant and parenting teen population. DST begins home visiting prenatally and continues throughout the first year of parenting. Pregnant and parenting teens are visited by DST doulas. Prenatally, doulas cover topics such as healthy choices during pregnancy, preparation for labor and birth, developing a birth plan, breastfeeding, safe sleep, SIDS awareness and risk factors, newborn care and preparation for the postpartum period. Visits throughout the first year of parenting are an excellent opportunity for our doulas to provide extra support in the areas of breastfeeding, child development, screening for postpartum depression and to offer community referrals. In addition, home visiting throughout the first year of parenting allows DST doulas the opportunity to consistently encourage and support healthy lifestyle and parenting choices.

Home Visiting Schedule:

  • Up to 28 weeks: once a month
  • 28-34 weeks: twice a month
  • 34-birth: weekly
  • Birth-1 month: 3-4 visits
  • 1 month -one year: 6 hours a month

For more information, call Doulas Supporting Teens (541) 344-1091