What is Sokana Collective?
Sokana Collective is a community-driven organization dedicated to providing culturally competent, holistic support to Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and underserved communities. While we center the needs of marginalized populations, we welcome and support all families who are seeking compassionate and empowering birth and postpartum care.

What services do you offer?
We provide a range of services, including birth and postpartum doula support, lactation consulting, childbirth education, doula training programs, and advocacy for birth justice. Visit our services page for more information.

What is Birth Justice?
Birth Justice is a movement focused on addressing systemic inequities in maternal healthcare, particularly those affecting Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities. It advocates for equitable access to respectful, informed, and culturally responsive care throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas do not perform medical tasks but play a critical role in enhancing the birth experience.

How do I hire a doula through Sokana Collective?
You can fill out our Request for Service to be connected with one of our experienced doulas. We will contact you to discuss your needs and preferences so we can curate to right match.

What areas do your doulas serve?
Our doulas serve communities throughout the Chicago area, including support for home births, birth centers, and hospital births. Check with us to see if your area is covered.

Do you offer sliding scale or payment plans for doula services?
Yes, we are committed to making doula support accessible to everyone. We offer sliding scale fees based on income and payment plans. Please reach out for more details.

What lactation services do you provide?
We offer one-on-one lactation consulting, helping with breastfeeding challenges, milk supply issues, and proper latch techniques. One visit is covered when you contract for labor support.

Is lactation support covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans may cover lactation consulting. We have a partnership with The Lactation Network. Click this link which is unique to Sokana to see if you qualify.

I’m a new parent—what kind of postpartum support do you offer?
We offer postpartum doula services that include emotional support, newborn care guidance, feeding assistance, and help with adjusting to life with a new baby. Learn more about our postpartum services here.

How can I get support for mental health after childbirth?
We recognize the importance of mental health in the postpartum period. Our doulas are trained to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, and we can connect you with mental health professionals for additional support.

What is the Full Spectrum Birth Justice Doula Certification course?
This is an in-depth training program designed to certify doulas with a focus on providing culturally competent and holistic care. The training covers fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and lactation, and is rooted in birth justice principles.

What is the cost of the doula training program?
The cost of our Full Spectrum Doula Training program is $1000 and we offer payment plans to BIPOC to make our trainings more accessible. Please visit our Training Academy for more info.

How long is the doula training program?
The doula certification course is a 40-hour program spread over 2 weekends.

What qualifications do I need to become a doula?
No previous experience is required to begin your doula journey, but a commitment to birth justice and supporting marginalized communities is essential. Our training is open to anyone who shares these values.

Do you offer Train the Trainer programs?
Yes, we offer a Train the Trainer program for experienced doulas who want to facilitate their own doula training programs. More info on the application process coming soon.

What events do you host throughout the year?
Sokana Collective hosts a variety of events, including our annual fundraiser Brain Power for Birth Justice: Trivia Night hosted during black maternal health week, the Birth and... Monologues annual event, community workshops, and educational seminars. Check our Events Calendar for upcoming events.

How can I donate to support Sokana Collective’s mission?
You can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting our Donate Page. Your support helps us provide doula services and training to underserved communities as well as compensate our doulas for their time and experience.