In Louisiana, maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the country. Most pregnancy-related deaths happen in the weeks and months after delivery—and the majority are preventable.

Our Mission

DUENOLA exists to improve maternal and infant health by providing perinatal care for birthing parents and their children in Greater New Orleans area, focusing on marginalized and low-income communities. Our work directly addresses social disparities and provides community-centered care through temporary postpartum recovery housing, doula support, family preparedness education, and case management that allows families to rest, heal, and recover as they prepare for long-term stability.

Our Vision

We envision a thriving New Orleans where maternal and infant health disparities are eliminated, postpartum recovery is recognized as an essential part of healthcare, and every birthing person - especially the most overlooked in our communities - has access to compassionate, community-based support before, during, and after birth.

Baby lying on a person's chest in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Our Values

  • Equity – We center those most impacted by health disparities and social barriers to comprehensive care and stabilizing resources.

  • Community – We center collective care driven and organized by the immediate needs of our community.

  • Respect – We honor and make space for every body, every identity, every choice, and every story.

  • Empowerment – We support people in making informed choices about their bodies, their lives, and their families.

  • Healing – We continue the legacy of Black birth workers whose care made space for rest, recovery, growth, and joy.

Connect with us for updates on our work with postpartum families.