Research has shown that women who give birth with help from a doula — a support person trained in labor and delivery — experience fewer medical interventions and shorter labors. But hiring a doula can cost several hundred dollars, and most insurance companies don’t cover the cost. Enter Handle With love, Francesca Arnoldy’s new scholarship fund. “I believe all women deserve access to that kind of birth experience,” says Arnoldy. The Hinesburg doula has partnered with the nonprofit Mama Says to raise money for Vermont families wishing to hire a doula; they granted the first scholarship last month. Want to support the effort? Purchase Arnoldy’s adorable bibs, onesies, tote bags and other products, designed and screen printed by New Duds of Winooski. A portion of the purchase price goes to the fund.
This article was originally published in Seven Days’ monthly parenting magazine, Kids VT.
This article appears in Kids VT, November 2014.
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