HWCLI Press Release: HWCLI and Soter Technologies Launch “Doula Notes” Platform to Support Medicaid-Enrolled Doulas During Black Maternal Health Week – Public -Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI)

April 18, 2025

HWCLI Press Release: HWCLI and Soter Technologies Launch “Doula Notes” Platform to Support Medicaid-Enrolled Doulas During Black Maternal Health Week

HWCLI and Soter Technologies Launch “Doula Notes” Platform to Support Medicaid-Enrolled Doulas During Black Maternal Health Week
A Groundbreaking Tool to Support Medicaid-Enrolled Doulas, Reduce Administrative Burden, and Improve Maternal Health Outcomes

Ronkonkoma, NY. (April 17th, 2025) As Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) comes to an end, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) and Soter Technologies proudly announced the launch of Doula Notes, a groundbreaking client management platform designed specifically for Medicaid-enrolled doulas, at a press conference earlier today.
Doula Notes is the first-of-its-kind digital platform tackles one of the most pressing, yet overlooked, challenges doulas face: the heavy administrative burden of tracking client information, services rendered, and outcomes. It offers a secure, user-friendly system to track appointments, birth outcomes, and demographic data—all in one centralized location. By simplifying documentation, the platform allows doulas to dedicate more time and energy to their core mission: providing compassionate, continuous care to birthing people.
“Doula Notes is not just a digital solution; it’s a tangible investment in equity, efficiency, and maternal justice.” said Vanessa Baird-Streeter, President and CEO of HWCLI.“The Health and Welfare Council of Long Island is dedicated to improving maternal health and birth outcomes for expecting parents. With the launch of this new platform, Doula Notes, we aim to alleviate the administrative burdens faced by doulas, especially concerning Medicaid reimbursement. This will allow doulas to devote more time and energy to caring for mothers and their babies. The launch of this new platform underscores the power of collaboration between the nonprofit sector, private industry, and community members in creating initiatives that enhance the health of our communities”
The launch of Doula Notes comes at a critical time. According to the New York State Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force (March 2024), pregnancy-related deaths among Black, non-Hispanic women are five times higher than those of white, non-Hispanic women. Research consistently shows that doulas and midwives significantly improve birth outcomes, particularly for Black and Brown birthing people. Doula Notes is designed to empower these providers by reducing the barriers that stand in the way of effective care.
“As a mother of two and currently pregnant with my third, I know firsthand that doulas and midwives are not a luxury—they are life-saving partners in care. The launch of this platform isn’t just about technology, it’s about building real infrastructure for equity and ensuring Black and Brown families have access to the culturally competent support they deserve,” said Randalle Lewis, Advocacy and Coalitions Manager at HWCLI.
Doulas are already seeing the difference Doula Notes can make.
“Doula Notes has replaced my cluttered toolbox of apps and paper forms with one simple, streamlined platform. It’s a one-stop shop for all my doula administrative needs,” said Chanel Jones, a Medicaid-enrolled doula, birth doula trainer, and founder of Chanel’s Comforting Doula Care. “Doula Notes makes it easy for doulas to lead with H.E.A.R.T.—to Hold space, Educate, Advocate, Reassure, and Track our clients throughout their birthing journeys. It’s a platform created by doulas, for doulas, to enhance the essential work we do.”
Doula Notes is more than just a tech solution—it’s a step toward health equity, maternal justice, and systemic change. The data collected through the platform will also help inform future policy and advocacy work to expand and strengthen maternal health services across New York State.
“Technology should be a bridge to better care—not a barrier.” said Derek Peterson, CEO and Founder of Soter Technologies. “Our goal with Doula Notes was to create a tool that truly meets doulas where they are, and empowers them to work more effectively.”
In addition to easing the day-to-day workload for doulas, the data collected through Doula Notes will help inform future policy and advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening maternal health systems statewide.
The Health and Welfare Council extends our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated Doulas who participated in our learning and training collaborative, helping to ensure that the Doula Notes platform truly reflects and supports their needs. We also extend a special thank you to Dr. Heather Findletar Hines, CNM, FACNM, Founder of One Love Midwifery, for generously sharing her expertise and insight in the development and creation of Doula Notes. Doulas who are interested in learning more about the Doula Notes platform and how it can support their work are encouraged to visit www.tinyurl.com/DoulaNotes. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to explore its features more deeply, Doula Notes offers tools designed to streamline documentation, enhance client communication, and support your Doula work.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Angela Porwick at Aporwick@hwcli.com or 631-935-5214.

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