
As we move through Black History Month, Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD) reaffirms that honoring Black history is not confined to a single month -- it is woven into everything we do, every day. The legacy of Black midwives, doulas, and birth advocates is a cornerstone of birth justice, and their wisdom continues to guide us in creating equitable care for all.
In this spirit, we are proud to introduce the CVD Doula Virtual Library -- a digital resource crafted out of love, necessity, and a commitment to advancing birth and reproductive justice. Curated by Lakeesha Harris, a doula with 24 years of experience, this free educational database serves as both an archive and a tool for learning. It honors the birth workers who came before us and equips the next generation with the knowledge needed to continue this vital work.
Empowering Communities Through Support
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our funders, whose commitment to reproductive and birth justice, health equity, and access to care fuels our mission:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), through their Special Beginnings® program, is working to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by increasing access to care, reducing care gaps, and engaging communities with vital health resources.
The Chicago Foundation for Women invests in reproductive justice and capacity building, strengthening organizations like CVD in our fight for birth equity.
The Irving Harris Foundation champions maternal and early childhood health, supporting initiatives that expand culturally competent doula care.
Michael Reese Health Trust is dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes, helping doulas provide informed, compassionate care.
Telligen prioritizes community-driven health improvements, reinforcing our efforts to bridge maternal and infant health disparities.
The Lactation Network ensures equitable access to lactation support, strengthening breast/chestfeeding education and resources.
Summer Oak Fund, Ms. Foundation, Groundswell Rapid Response Fund, and the Grove Foundation sustain critical reproductive health justice initiatives, ensuring programs like the Virtual Library continue to thrive.
VNA Foundation, Midwest Access Project, and National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) expand comprehensive reproductive healthcare education for doulas and birth workers.
Additionally, we recognize the continued leadership and commitment of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, BDO/AMPT Financial Resiliency Grant, Good Jobs Challenge, Excellerator/Auburn Gresham, Nebula Mutual Aid Fund, IDPH - Landscape Analysis Grant, and the Frances E. Streit Foundation, who stand alongside us in building sustainable, equitable birth justice programs.
Through these partnerships, the CVD Virtual Library remains a free, accessible, and essential resource for birth workers and advocates. This curated collection of books, articles, journals, podcasts, and multimedia resources provides a strong foundation in birth justice and equitable care.
Whether you’re a seasoned doula, a new advocate, or someone eager to learn, the CVD Virtual Library is here for you.

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