In an effort to address the infant mortality rate in Rock County, the public health department has partnered with SSM Health to increase the community’s access to doulas .

Public Health Nurse Kyleigh Mehnke says a doula is a trained professional who offers physical, emotional, and informational support to families and be a support system during a stressful time.

Mehnke says having a doula present during birth has lowered cesarean section rates, increased breast feeding rates, and lowered low birth weights for children.

Expectant families in Rock County can receive access to a doula  through self referral or by discussing the option with their care team.