KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Health Department announced Friday the first cohort of doulas selected to participate in the KC Doula Program.

Starting Sept. 29, families can apply with their selected doula to receive scholarships of up to $6,000 to cover care ranging from prenatal visits to postpartum guidance. Applications will be open until Nov. 3. Residents can apply here.

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the KC Doula Program is designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes while strengthening local doula businesses.

The city said research shows doula care leads to healthier pregnancies and births, including lower cesarean rates, shorter labors, decreased postpartum depression and more personalized birthing experiences.

"Doulas play a key role in supporting

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