Our Values
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The RI Birth Worker Co-op recognizes racism and inequalities in the maternal health outcomes in Rhode Island, specifically affecting Black pregnant people and people of color. We believe people deserve to feel empowered, safe, and dignified in the pregnancy and birthing process.
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The RI Birth Worker Co-op maintains the abolishment of systematic barriers that limit genuine access and intentional equity for work rendered without oppressive restrictions.
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The RI Birth Worker Co-op prioritizes the cultural, ethnic and religious values that identify the needs and desires of the collective members, to practice and operate in ways that resonate with their community.
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RI Birth Worker Co-op members stand with, and for all, client human rights to autonomy of their bodies, choices and selection of the care they seek, within their reproductive lifespan.
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The RI Birth Worker Co-op aligns its values with the Community Doula model; specifically, the person’s choice to choose their doula.
Members of the RI Birth Worker Co-op maintain their independent practice. They do not work for clinics, hospitals or other healthcare facility. -
The RI Birth Worker Co-op values the member lead and owned ownership.
In 2021, Rhode Island passed legislation requiring both Medicaid and private insurance to cover perinatal doula services. The Doula benefit marking a significant step toward expanding access to care for families across the state.
In response, the Rhode Island Birthworker Co-op was formed to support doulas navigating this evolving landscape. What began as a small, collaborative effort has grown into a member-owned cooperative that provides administrative support, billing infrastructure, and shared resources for community-based doulas.
By sharing the administrative responsibilities of billing and contracting, the co-op allows doulas to focus on providing care. While preserving the autonomy of both doulas and the families they serve.
Founded by Quatia Osorio, Susie Finnerty, and Elyse Wilkie, the co-op opened to members in November 2021 and continues to grow as a collective rooted in collaboration, sustainability, and access to care.
We would love to have you!
How RIBWC Began
It has been over four years since the inception of RIBWC!
Today, RI Birth Worker Co-op members are credentialed with the Rhode Island Certification Board and contracted with Medicaid! As well as in network with various major insurance providers including Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, Tufts, and UnitedHealthcare.
The co-op has continued to support doulas in becoming in-network providers while maintaining their independence as community-based practitioners.
70+
DOUL MEMBER OWNERS
1700+
FAMILIES SERVED
2,600+
CLAIMS SUBMITTED
SUPPORT OUR WORK
The Rhode Island Birthworker Co-op is sustained through the collective efforts of its members and the support of community partners and sponsors.
Sponsorship contributions help offset the cost of membership and provide scholarship opportunities for doulas. Particularly BIPOC doulas, who may otherwise face barriers to joining the co-op. This support plays a direct role in expanding access to the resources, billing infrastructure, and collaborative network that allow doulas to build sustainable practices.
By supporting the co-op, sponsors help strengthen a model that prioritizes shared resources, professional sustainability, and increased access to care for families across Rhode Island
