About us
We believe the partnership between an empowered and educated birther and a certified, and experienced doula who works alongside medical providers contributes to a strengthened birth team that produces better pregnancy and birth experiences for the entire family.
Our work is rooted in birth equity practices and principles and aims to transform the face of maternal healthcare in the Sacramento region and beyond.
Our core values
H
Healthy pregnancies.
Healthy babies.
Healthy families.
A
Accessible care regardless of ability to pay.
V
Visibility matters.
Diverse doula teams.
E
Equip.
Educate.
Empower.
N
Nurturing,
Supportive care.
Donate to Haven
Your donation helps provide comprehensive doula care to birthing people and their families, ensuring they receive the guidance, advocacy, and care they need for a safe and empowering birth experience. Together, we can close gaps in maternal health and create healthier futures for our community. Give today and help us support families who need it the most.
Program staff
Dr. Heidi Jones
Executive Director
I’m Heidi! I grew up with the belief that girls were strong and could be and do anything they set their mind to. I come from a long line of hard-working women who dig in deeper when things get tough. I have been a chiropractor in Sacramento for the past 19 years. I love to care for women during the prenatal and post-partum periods. Educating families so that they can have healthy, empowered pregnancies and births is very important.
I have three children who continuously amaze me. Giving birth was the single most empowering experience I have had. From that experience I realized that all women should be free to have their desired pregnancy and birth. 14 years ago, I thought I wanted to become a midwife and help women to have better births one at a time. Although that timing ended up being wrong, I realize now that passion was preparing me to invest my time and energy into a place that will hopefully support many more women in the Sacramento community.
In the past year I began to read again about the unfavorable experience’s women were having during pregnancy and birth. I read that the US is 55th in the world for maternal morbidity and mortality. I read that Black women are 4-6 six times more likely to die in childbirth with indigenous and minority women not far behind. I read that women of color are at least twice as likely to experience some serious injury during the time just before birth and during childbirth. These statistics broke my heart and set fire to the simmering passion for helping women start motherhood strong and healthy. Haven is a dream 14 years in the making that is quickly becoming a reality.
Pauline Hassan Burkey
Program Director &
ECM Lead Case Manager
Hi, I’m Pauline! I bring over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, spanning international development as well as local efforts in policy advocacy and direct service programs. My background includes program and organizational development through strategy, workflow planning, and effective project and staff management. I’m also a passionate community builder, with a strong history of working alongside community partners and the faith-based community on various campaigns and movement initiatives.
I deeply believe in the Chinese proverb, “women hold up half the sky.” Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed the multifaceted and often unseen strength that women contribute to their families and communities. Raised by a single mother of five who immigrated to the United States from South Sudan when I was just three, I have lived at the intersection of multiple identities—Black, immigrant, and woman. Navigating life through these lenses has shaped who I am. My greatest mentors have been women who saw issues impacting their lives and chose to act. My grandmother, Clementina Olwar, a midwife trained by the Catholic Church in South Sudan, delivered thousands of babies despite never receiving formal education. Women without any other healthcare options would travel miles on foot to reach her.
When I was pregnant with my son, I understood the health disparities I faced as a woman with these intersecting identities. To address this, I sought doula support to guide me through the journey to parenthood. I actually joined Haven as a client before becoming a staff member, and I’m committed to empowering and supporting birthing individuals and their families through this critical time in life.
Today, I live in Sacramento with my husband and our lively three-year-old son. When I’m not working, we’re often traveling, spending time with our extended family, or chasing our toddler around at the park.
Doulas
Haven Doula Training Model
At Haven, our mission is to provide a safe, empowering birth experience while elevating doula work as an essential, respected profession. We are dedicated to advocating for birth justice for our clients and creating sustainable career pathways for our doulas.
Our vision is to grow as an organization that supports doulas with fair, living wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement through training and education. We strive to showcase the vital role of birth work and help others recognize its necessity. Our team is proudly composed of a majority of women of color whose lived experiences strengthen our commitment to birth justice and deepen our impact in the communities we serve.
Cultural
Competencies
Intensive
Mentorship
Classroom
Instruction
Haven
Doulas
Our doula training program is built on three foundational components: certified classroom instruction through programs like BADT or BeboMia, a 3-6 month intensive mentorship, and training on inclusion and cultural competencies primarily in maternal health.
In the mentorship phase, doulas are paired with experienced doula mentors and have opportunities to participate in births as the primary doula, co-doula, and backup doula within our referral network.
Weekly learning circles will equip our team with the skills needed for full-spectrum doula care, covering every aspect of support. To participate, doulas must commit to weekly learning circles, be on-call for 1-2 births per month, and be available for 3 to 4 twelve-hour backup shifts each month.
Learning Outcomes
Clearing the space for birth & Emotional Counseling
Supporting induction, epidural, and high risk birth
Supporting Unexpected Outcomes: traumatic birth, prematurity, stillbirth
Supporting Optimal Fetal Positioning
Using your intuition
Breastfeeding Counseling
Birth Recovery
Trauma Informed Care
Appropriate record keeping and documentation
Professionalism training for working in a team-based environment with providers
Cultural competency
Collaborative Team Care
Structure of prenatal and postpartum visits
Understanding the key perinatal physiology and anatomy
Pain Coping Techniques and Comfort Massage (applied skills)
Advocating for a client/Interacting with hospital staff
Healing the birth story
Partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to family-centered inclusive care and support. We receive or submit referrals to these organizations or partner to provide a range of services, from mental health care, direct services, and more to our clients.
About us
We believe the partnership between an empowered and educated birther and a certified, and experienced doula who works alongside medical providers contributes to a strengthened birth team that produces better pregnancy and birth experiences for the entire family.
Our work is rooted in birth equity practices and principles and aims to transform the face of maternal healthcare in the Sacramento region and beyond.
Our core values
H
Healthy pregnancies.
Healthy babies.
Healthy families.
A
Accessible care regardless of ability to pay.
V
Visibility matters.
Diverse doula teams.
E
Equip.
Educate.
Empower.
N
Nurturing,
Supportive care.
Donate to Haven
Your donation helps provide comprehensive doula care to birthing people and their families, ensuring they receive the guidance, advocacy, and care they need for a safe and empowering birth experience. Together, we can close gaps in maternal health and create healthier futures for our community. Give today and help us support families who need it the most.
Program staff
Dr. Heidi Jones
Executive Director
I’m Heidi! I grew up with the belief that girls were strong and could be and do anything they set their mind to. I come from a long line of hard-working women who dig in deeper when things get tough. I have been a chiropractor in Sacramento for the past 19 years. I love to care for women during the prenatal and post-partum periods. Educating families so that they can have healthy, empowered pregnancies and births is very important.
I have three children who continuously amaze me. Giving birth was the single most empowering experience I have had. From that experience I realized that all women should be free to have their desired pregnancy and birth. 14 years ago, I thought I wanted to become a midwife and help women to have better births one at a time. Although that timing ended up being wrong, I realize now that passion was preparing me to invest my time and energy into a place that will hopefully support many more women in the Sacramento community.
In the past year I began to read again about the unfavorable experience’s women were having during pregnancy and birth. I read that the US is 55th in the world for maternal morbidity and mortality. I read that Black women are 4-6 six times more likely to die in childbirth with indigenous and minority women not far behind. I read that women of color are at least twice as likely to experience some serious injury during the time just before birth and during childbirth. These statistics broke my heart and set fire to the simmering passion for helping women start motherhood strong and healthy. Haven is a dream 14 years in the making that is quickly becoming a reality.
Pauline Hassan Burkey
Program Director &
ECM Lead Case Manager
Hi, I’m Pauline! I bring over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, spanning international development as well as local efforts in policy advocacy and direct service programs. My background includes program and organizational development through strategy, workflow planning, and effective project and staff management. I’m also a passionate community builder, with a strong history of working alongside community partners and the faith-based community on various campaigns and movement initiatives.
I deeply believe in the Chinese proverb, “women hold up half the sky.” Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed the multifaceted and often unseen strength that women contribute to their families and communities. Raised by a single mother of five who immigrated to the United States from South Sudan when I was just three, I have lived at the intersection of multiple identities—Black, immigrant, and woman. Navigating life through these lenses has shaped who I am. My greatest mentors have been women who saw issues impacting their lives and chose to act. My grandmother, Clementina Olwar, a midwife trained by the Catholic Church in South Sudan, delivered thousands of babies despite never receiving formal education. Women without any other healthcare options would travel miles on foot to reach her.
When I was pregnant with my son, I understood the health disparities I faced as a woman with these intersecting identities. To address this, I sought doula support to guide me through the journey to parenthood. I actually joined Haven as a client before becoming a staff member, and I’m committed to empowering and supporting birthing individuals and their families through this critical time in life.
Today, I live in Sacramento with my husband and our lively three-year-old son. When I’m not working, we’re often traveling, spending time with our extended family, or chasing our toddler around at the park.
Doulas
Nikkia “Keyz” Patterson
Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Registered Nurse
Learn more
Laura Press
Birth, Postpartum, and Prodoula certified Doula, Birth Arts, CAPPA
Learn more
Haven Doula Training Model
At Haven, our mission is to provide a safe, empowering birth experience while elevating doula work as an essential, respected profession. We are dedicated to advocating for birth justice for our clients and creating sustainable career pathways for our doulas.
Our vision is to grow as an organization that supports doulas with fair, living wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement through training and education. We strive to showcase the vital role of birth work and help others recognize its necessity. Our team is proudly composed of a majority of women of color whose lived experiences strengthen our commitment to birth justice and deepen our impact in the communities we serve.
Cultural
Competencies
Intensive
Mentorship
Classroom
Instruction
Haven
Doulas
Our doula training program is built on three foundational components: certified classroom instruction through programs like BADT or BeboMia, a 3-6 month intensive mentorship, and training on inclusion and cultural competencies primarily in maternal health.
In the mentorship phase, doulas are paired with experienced doula mentors and have opportunities to participate in births as the primary doula, co-doula, and backup doula within our referral network.
Weekly learning circles will equip our team with the skills needed for full-spectrum doula care, covering every aspect of support. To participate, doulas must commit to weekly learning circles, be on-call for 1-2 births per month, and be available for 3 to 4 twelve-hour backup shifts each month.
Learning Outcomes
Clearing the space for birth & Emotional Counseling
Supporting induction, epidural, and high risk birth
Supporting Unexpected Outcomes: traumatic birth, prematurity, stillbirth
Supporting Optimal Fetal Positioning
Using your intuition
Breastfeeding Counseling
Birth Recovery
Trauma Informed Care
Appropriate record keeping and documentation
Professionalism training for working in a team-based environment with providers
Cultural competency
Collaborative Team Care
Structure of prenatal and postpartum visits
Understanding the key perinatal physiology and anatomy
Pain Coping Techniques and Comfort Massage (applied skills)
Advocating for a client/Interacting with hospital staff
Healing the birth story
Partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to family-centered inclusive care and support. We receive or submit referrals to these organizations or partner to provide a range of services, from mental health care, direct services, and more to our clients.
Support through every stage of pregnancy and birth
Contact
916 - 942 -9367
info@havenforbirth.org
Address
3400 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95816
About us
We believe the partnership between an empowered and educated birther and a certified, and experienced doula who works alongside medical providers contributes to a strengthened birth team that produces better pregnancy and birth experiences for the entire family.
Our work is rooted in birth equity practices and principles and aims to transform the face of maternal healthcare in the Sacramento region and beyond.
Our core values
H
Healthy pregnancies.
Healthy babies.
Healthy families.
A
Accessible care regardless of ability to pay.
V
Visibility matters.
Diverse doula teams.
E
Equip.
Educate.
Empower.
N
Nurturing,
Supportive care.
Program staff
Dr. Heidi Jones
Executive Director
I’m Heidi! I grew up with the belief that girls were strong and could be and do anything they set their mind to. I come from a long line of hard-working women who dig in deeper when things get tough. I have been a chiropractor in Sacramento for the past 19 years. I love to care for women during the prenatal and post-partum periods. Educating families so that they can have healthy, empowered pregnancies and births is very important.
I have three children who continuously amaze me. Giving birth was the single most empowering experience I have had. From that experience I realized that all women should be free to have their desired pregnancy and birth. 14 years ago, I thought I wanted to become a midwife and help women to have better births one at a time. Although that timing ended up being wrong, I realize now that passion was preparing me to invest my time and energy into a place that will hopefully support many more women in the Sacramento community.
In the past year I began to read again about the unfavorable experience’s women were having during pregnancy and birth. I read that the US is 55th in the world for maternal morbidity and mortality. I read that Black women are 4-6 six times more likely to die in childbirth with indigenous and minority women not far behind. I read that women of color are at least twice as likely to experience some serious injury during the time just before birth and during childbirth. These statistics broke my heart and set fire to the simmering passion for helping women start motherhood strong and healthy. Haven is a dream 14 years in the making that is quickly becoming a reality.
Pauline Hassan Burkey
Program Director &
ECM Lead Case Manager
Hi, I’m Pauline! I bring over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, spanning international development as well as local efforts in policy advocacy and direct service programs. My background includes program and organizational development through strategy, workflow planning, and effective project and staff management. I’m also a passionate community builder, with a strong history of working alongside community partners and the faith-based community on various campaigns and movement initiatives.
I deeply believe in the Chinese proverb, “women hold up half the sky.” Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed the multifaceted and often unseen strength that women contribute to their families and communities. Raised by a single mother of five who immigrated to the United States from South Sudan when I was just three, I have lived at the intersection of multiple identities—Black, immigrant, and woman. Navigating life through these lenses has shaped who I am. My greatest mentors have been women who saw issues impacting their lives and chose to act. My grandmother, Clementina Olwar, a midwife trained by the Catholic Church in South Sudan, delivered thousands of babies despite never receiving formal education. Women without any other healthcare options would travel miles on foot to reach her.
When I was pregnant with my son, I understood the health disparities I faced as a woman with these intersecting identities. To address this, I sought doula support to guide me through the journey to parenthood. I actually joined Haven as a client before becoming a staff member, and I’m committed to empowering and supporting birthing individuals and their families through this critical time in life.
Today, I live in Sacramento with my husband and our lively three-year-old son. When I’m not working, we’re often traveling, spending time with our extended family, or chasing our toddler around at the park.
Doulas
Nikkia “Keyz” Patterson
Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Registered Nurse
Learn more
Laura Press
Birth, Postpartum, & Prodoula certified Doula, Birth Arts, CAPPA
Learn more
Donate to Haven
Your donation helps provide comprehensive doula care to birthing people and their families, ensuring they receive the guidance, advocacy, and care they need for a safe and empowering birth experience. Together, we can close gaps in maternal health and create healthier futures for our community. Give today and help us support families who need it the most.
Partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to family-centered inclusive care and support. We receive or submit referrals to these organizations or partner to provide a range of services, from mental health care, direct services, and more to our clients.
Haven Doula Training Model
At Haven, our mission is to provide a safe, empowering birth experience while elevating doula work as an essential, respected profession. We are dedicated to advocating for birth justice for our clients and creating sustainable career pathways for our doulas.
Our vision is to grow as an organization that supports doulas with fair, living wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement through training and education. We strive to showcase the vital role of birth work and help others recognize its necessity. Our team is proudly composed of a majority of women of color whose lived experiences strengthen our commitment to birth justice and deepen our impact in the communities we serve.
Cultural
Competencies
Intensive
Mentorship
Classroom
Instruction
Haven
Doulas
Our doula training program is built on three foundational components: certified classroom instruction through programs like BADT or BeboMia, a 3-6 month intensive mentorship, and training on inclusion and cultural competencies primarily in maternal health.
In the mentorship phase, doulas are paired with experienced doula mentors and have opportunities to participate in births as the primary doula, co-doula, and backup doula within our referral network.
Weekly learning circles will equip our team with the skills needed for full-spectrum doula care, covering every aspect of support. To participate, doulas must commit to weekly learning circles, be on-call for 1-2 births per month, and be available for 3 to 4 twelve-hour backup shifts each month.
Learning Outcomes
Clearing the space for birth & Emotional Counseling
Supporting induction, epidural, and high risk birth
Supporting Unexpected Outcomes: traumatic birth, prematurity, stillbirth
Supporting Optimal Fetal Positioning
Using your intuition
Breastfeeding Counseling
Birth Recovery
Trauma Informed Care
Appropriate record keeping and documentation
Professionalism training for working in a team-based environment with providers
Cultural competency
Collaborative Team Care
Structure of prenatal and postpartum visits
Understanding the key perinatal physiology and anatomy
Pain Coping Techniques and Comfort Massage (applied skills)
Advocating for a client/Interacting with hospital staff
Healing the birth story
Support through every stage of pregnancy and birth
Contact
916 - 942 -9367
info@havenforbirth.org
Address
3400 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95816