Arkansas ranks 47th in the Nation for preterm births. In 2024, 4,289 babies were born preterm in Arkansas according to the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card on maternal and infant health. The state is working to change those statistics by passing maternal health legislation, implementing initiatives, and expanding prenatal care services thruout the state. One important part of that effort is the work of doulas, trained professionals who provide physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after childbirth. Doulas play a vital role in navigating the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. On the program, host, Karen Walker speaks with three certified doulas, Nicolle Fletcher, co-founder, visionary, and executive director of Ujima Maternity Network; Sylvia Halliburton, founder and CEO of Arkansas Birthing Partners and Family Power Hub; and Liyah Wasson, co-founder and executive director of Doula Alliance of Arkansas, about the care provided by doulas. This occupation has inspired the integration of doulas and perinatal teams at hospitals. Two health professionals, Hannah McHardy, Senior Director of Programs at UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation; and Whitney Tolbert, Vice President of Women?s and Children?s Services at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas tell us about a toolkit designed to help produce healthy outcomes for moms and their babies. Felecia Fletcher, a Sister Friend along with Stacey Armstrong, Branch leader of the Russellville hub for the Arkansas Birthing Project also, join the conversation to talk about how they are connecting mothers and families with the necessary resources to assist and guide them on their maternity journey and path to motherhood.