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Our Story
Community Doulas of South Jersey (CDOSJ)
is a grassroot-based community organization that offers doula training, continued education classes, doula mentoring, professional development training and enrollment support to NJ Family Care.
At CDOSJ, our motivation is deeply personal— many of our leadership team members come from and live in the most impacted communities we serve. We’ve witnessed the devastating gaps in access to quality, culturally responsive maternal healthcare for Black and Brown infants and families. This drives our commitment to ensuring that every birthing person and infant receives the support they deserve.
We are still growing…
9+ Years of Trusted Leadership in New Jersey Maternal Health
For over nine years, CDOSJ has been a steadfast advocate for maternal health in New Jersey, championing equitable care, supporting families, and driving meaningful change to improve outcomes for mothers and babies across the state.
Launching the Nurture NJ Doula Pilot
In 2017, CDOSJ launched as a pilot site in Camden and Atlantic City for the Nurture NJ Doula Program, funded by the Office of the First Lady and the Department of Health.
Continuing the Mission
In 2020, we transitioned to an independent organization to preserve essential doula services for families in Camden and Atlantic Counties—providing perinatal care, labor support, postpartum care, education, and doula training.
From Volunteers to Regional Impact
What began as a small volunteer team has grown into a sustainable force. CDOSJ has trained and mentored hundreds of community doulas across the Tri-State area and built a community-based doula network for Black women and women of color.
Black Midwives:
A Brief History
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Black midwives were a cornerstone of enslaved communities
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Post-emancipation, “Granny Midwives” were integral to the births of all races in the rural south
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Throughout the 20th century, Black midwives were systematically criminalized for providing prenatal care, which led to hospitals being dominated by white male obstetricians
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Today, only 7% of US midwives are Black (~980 of 13,400)
New Jersey’s Maternal Health Crisis
Southern New Jersey is facing a serious maternal health crisis, with stark racial disparities affecting mothers and infants.
Maternal Mortality Disparity
Black mothers are 7.6× more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers.
Infant Mortality Gap
Black infants are 3× more likely to die before their first birthday.
Regional Health Inequity
South Jersey’s maternal mortality rate is double the state average.
Contact Us
If you're expecting and looking for a doula, get in touch with us today!
Please include Estimated Delivery Date and best time to be reached.
