History of ADA

History of ADA

History of ADA

Founded in 2017 by a group of Asian doulas passionate about traditional confinement practices (zuo-yue-zi), the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) emerged from a desire to bridge the gap between these cultural traditions and modern, scientifically-based Western doula services.

Founded in 2017 by a group of Asian doulas passionate about traditional confinement practices (zuo-yue-zi), the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) emerged from a desire to bridge the gap between these cultural traditions and modern, scientifically-based Western doula services.

Founded in 2017 by a group of Asian doulas passionate about traditional confinement practices (zuo-yue-zi), the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) emerged from a desire to bridge the gap between these cultural traditions and modern, scientifically-based Western doula services.

"As we delved into studying postpartum care through organizations like ICEA and DONA, we quickly realized the significant knowledge disparities and the lack of resources available in Asian languages. What began as a small chat group to support each other’s learning has since grown into a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Asian doulas who do not speak English access quality training and improve their skills, ensuring culturally attuned and professional care for families."

"As we delved into studying postpartum care through organizations like ICEA and DONA, we quickly realized the significant knowledge disparities and the lack of resources available in Asian languages. What began as a small chat group to support each other’s learning has since grown into a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Asian doulas who do not speak English access quality training and improve their skills, ensuring culturally attuned and professional care for families."

"As we delved into studying postpartum care through organizations like ICEA and DONA, we quickly realized the significant knowledge disparities and the lack of resources available in Asian languages. What began as a small chat group to support each other’s learning has since grown into a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Asian doulas who do not speak English access quality training and improve their skills, ensuring culturally attuned and professional care for families."

The Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) was born from a passionate commitment to bridge traditional confinement practices (zuo-yue-zi) with evidence-based, professional postpartum care. Recognizing a critical gap in culturally and linguistically appropriate doula training, this pioneering group initially gathered as a small online chat community to exchange knowledge, resources, and experiences.

The Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) was born from a passionate commitment to bridge traditional confinement practices (zuo-yue-zi) with evidence-based, professional postpartum care. Recognizing a critical gap in culturally and linguistically appropriate doula training, this pioneering group initially gathered as a small online chat community to exchange knowledge, resources, and experiences.

The Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) was born from a passionate commitment to bridge traditional confinement practices (zuo-yue-zi) with evidence-based, professional postpartum care. Recognizing a critical gap in culturally and linguistically appropriate doula training, this pioneering group initially gathered as a small online chat community to exchange knowledge, resources, and experiences.

Portrait image
Portrait image
Portrait image
Portrait image

Photo from 2024 Postpartum Doula Training Workshop

Photo from 2024 Postpartum Doula Training Workshop

Total Wellness

Milestones in Our Journey

Milestones in Our Journey

Milestones in Our Journey

Early Beginnings: 2017-2019

In 2017, ADA began as a WeChat group, created initially to share resources, educational articles, and translation support among Asian postpartum doulas struggling with English-language materials. Younger members volunteered their time to translate important documents, ensuring better knowledge access and improved care standards for Asian doulas.

Early Beginnings: 2017-2019

In 2017, ADA began as a WeChat group, created initially to share resources, educational articles, and translation support among Asian postpartum doulas struggling with English-language materials. Younger members volunteered their time to translate important documents, ensuring better knowledge access and improved care standards for Asian doulas.

Early Beginnings: 2017-2019

In 2017, ADA began as a WeChat group, created initially to share resources, educational articles, and translation support among Asian postpartum doulas struggling with English-language materials. Younger members volunteered their time to translate important documents, ensuring better knowledge access and improved care standards for Asian doulas.

Early Beginnings: 2017-2019

In 2017, ADA began as a WeChat group, created initially to share resources, educational articles, and translation support among Asian postpartum doulas struggling with English-language materials. Younger members volunteered their time to translate important documents, ensuring better knowledge access and improved care standards for Asian doulas.

Navigating Challenges and Pivoting: 2020-2021

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to postpartum doulas, who were forced to pause in-home services and shift rapidly to virtual care. ADA quickly adapted, facilitating online video calls and virtual training sessions to ensure families continued receiving essential postpartum and infant care support. In 2021, a deeply troubling incident in Los Angeles profoundly impacted the Asian doula community. A doula was found to have fed sedatives to a baby, and it later emerged that this individual was part of ADA's WeChat group. This heartbreaking event highlighted an urgent need for standardization and a more rigorous professional framework to ensure quality and safety in postpartum care.

Navigating Challenges and Pivoting: 2020-2021

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to postpartum doulas, who were forced to pause in-home services and shift rapidly to virtual care. ADA quickly adapted, facilitating online video calls and virtual training sessions to ensure families continued receiving essential postpartum and infant care support. In 2021, a deeply troubling incident in Los Angeles profoundly impacted the Asian doula community. A doula was found to have fed sedatives to a baby, and it later emerged that this individual was part of ADA's WeChat group. This heartbreaking event highlighted an urgent need for standardization and a more rigorous professional framework to ensure quality and safety in postpartum care.

Navigating Challenges and Pivoting: 2020-2021

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to postpartum doulas, who were forced to pause in-home services and shift rapidly to virtual care. ADA quickly adapted, facilitating online video calls and virtual training sessions to ensure families continued receiving essential postpartum and infant care support. In 2021, a deeply troubling incident in Los Angeles profoundly impacted the Asian doula community. A doula was found to have fed sedatives to a baby, and it later emerged that this individual was part of ADA's WeChat group. This heartbreaking event highlighted an urgent need for standardization and a more rigorous professional framework to ensure quality and safety in postpartum care.

Navigating Challenges and Pivoting: 2020-2021

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to postpartum doulas, who were forced to pause in-home services and shift rapidly to virtual care. ADA quickly adapted, facilitating online video calls and virtual training sessions to ensure families continued receiving essential postpartum and infant care support. In 2021, a deeply troubling incident in Los Angeles profoundly impacted the Asian doula community. A doula was found to have fed sedatives to a baby, and it later emerged that this individual was part of ADA's WeChat group. This heartbreaking event highlighted an urgent need for standardization and a more rigorous professional framework to ensure quality and safety in postpartum care.

Professionalizing and Structuring ADA: 2022

Responding decisively to the 2021 incident, ADA formally transitioned from an informal community into a structured, professional organization in 2022. ADA developed comprehensive curriculums, certification exams, and established robust scoring systems. The organization formed its first official ADA Committee, bringing together nurses, social workers, and industry experts to uphold and continuously enhance professional standards.

Professionalizing and Structuring ADA: 2022

Responding decisively to the 2021 incident, ADA formally transitioned from an informal community into a structured, professional organization in 2022. ADA developed comprehensive curriculums, certification exams, and established robust scoring systems. The organization formed its first official ADA Committee, bringing together nurses, social workers, and industry experts to uphold and continuously enhance professional standards.

Professionalizing and Structuring ADA: 2022

Responding decisively to the 2021 incident, ADA formally transitioned from an informal community into a structured, professional organization in 2022. ADA developed comprehensive curriculums, certification exams, and established robust scoring systems. The organization formed its first official ADA Committee, bringing together nurses, social workers, and industry experts to uphold and continuously enhance professional standards.

Professionalizing and Structuring ADA: 2022

Responding decisively to the 2021 incident, ADA formally transitioned from an informal community into a structured, professional organization in 2022. ADA developed comprehensive curriculums, certification exams, and established robust scoring systems. The organization formed its first official ADA Committee, bringing together nurses, social workers, and industry experts to uphold and continuously enhance professional standards.

Growth and Global Outreach: 2023-2024

Since professionalizing, ADA rapidly expanded its impact and credibility within the international doula community. Strategic partnerships with major organizations such as DONA International, ICEA, and ACOG strengthened ADA's influence. The introduction of the Jade Lotus Scholarship Program and targeted initiatives aimed at underserved communities demonstrated ADA's deepening commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence.

Growth and Global Outreach: 2023-2024

Since professionalizing, ADA rapidly expanded its impact and credibility within the international doula community. Strategic partnerships with major organizations such as DONA International, ICEA, and ACOG strengthened ADA's influence. The introduction of the Jade Lotus Scholarship Program and targeted initiatives aimed at underserved communities demonstrated ADA's deepening commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence.

Growth and Global Outreach: 2023-2024

Since professionalizing, ADA rapidly expanded its impact and credibility within the international doula community. Strategic partnerships with major organizations such as DONA International, ICEA, and ACOG strengthened ADA's influence. The introduction of the Jade Lotus Scholarship Program and targeted initiatives aimed at underserved communities demonstrated ADA's deepening commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence.

Growth and Global Outreach: 2023-2024

Since professionalizing, ADA rapidly expanded its impact and credibility within the international doula community. Strategic partnerships with major organizations such as DONA International, ICEA, and ACOG strengthened ADA's influence. The introduction of the Jade Lotus Scholarship Program and targeted initiatives aimed at underserved communities demonstrated ADA's deepening commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence.

Today and Future: 2025

Today, in 2025, ADA is taking its mission global, bridging traditional Asian philosophies with scientific knowledge and modern postpartum practices. Through fostering meaningful cultural exchange between Asia and the West, ADA continues to revolutionize maternal and postpartum care worldwide, empowering doulas and enriching the lives of families everywhere.

Today and Future: 2025

Today, in 2025, ADA is taking its mission global, bridging traditional Asian philosophies with scientific knowledge and modern postpartum practices. Through fostering meaningful cultural exchange between Asia and the West, ADA continues to revolutionize maternal and postpartum care worldwide, empowering doulas and enriching the lives of families everywhere.

Today and Future: 2025

Today, in 2025, ADA is taking its mission global, bridging traditional Asian philosophies with scientific knowledge and modern postpartum practices. Through fostering meaningful cultural exchange between Asia and the West, ADA continues to revolutionize maternal and postpartum care worldwide, empowering doulas and enriching the lives of families everywhere.

Today and Future: 2025

Today, in 2025, ADA is taking its mission global, bridging traditional Asian philosophies with scientific knowledge and modern postpartum practices. Through fostering meaningful cultural exchange between Asia and the West, ADA continues to revolutionize maternal and postpartum care worldwide, empowering doulas and enriching the lives of families everywhere.

Education and Training

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

Guided by our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, the Asian Doula Alliance proudly upholds a commitment to inclusivity, respect, and compassion. We honor the uniqueness of every individual and family we serve, ensuring that all our members and clients have equal access to professional opportunities, resources, and supportive care.

Guided by our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, the Asian Doula Alliance proudly upholds a commitment to inclusivity, respect, and compassion. We honor the uniqueness of every individual and family we serve, ensuring that all our members and clients have equal access to professional opportunities, resources, and supportive care.

80
80
80

Doulas Trained

Doulas Trained

Doulas Trained

Doulas Trained

10
10
10

Workshops & Seminars

Workshops & Seminars

Workshops & Seminars

Workshops & Seminars

65%
65%
65%

Certification Exam Pass Rate

Certification Exam Pass Rate

Certification Exam Pass Rate

Certification Exam Pass Rate

1+
1+
1+

Culture Represented

Culture Represented

Culture Represented

Culture Represented

Since our founding, we have proudly trained and certified over 100 postpartum doulas, equipping them with the skills to support diverse Asian communities. At ADA, diversity is our strength—embracing differences in culture, language, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, life experiences, and physical ability—because we believe that our collective uniqueness enriches the quality and depth of care we provide.

Since our founding, we have proudly trained and certified over 100 postpartum doulas, equipping them with the skills to support diverse Asian communities. At ADA, diversity is our strength—embracing differences in culture, language, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, life experiences, and physical ability—because we believe that our collective uniqueness enriches the quality and depth of care we provide.

Learn more

Learn more

How the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) is Reshaping the Postpartum Doula Industry

How the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) is Reshaping the Postpartum Doula Industry

How the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) is Reshaping the Postpartum Doula Industry

How the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) is Reshaping the Postpartum Doula Industry

Jun 8, 2024

Bridging Cultures: How ADA Integrates Traditional Asian Practices with Modern Postpartum Care

Bridging Cultures: How ADA Integrates Traditional Asian Practices with Modern Postpartum Care

Bridging Cultures: How ADA Integrates Traditional Asian Practices with Modern Postpartum Care

Bridging Cultures: How ADA Integrates Traditional Asian Practices with Modern Postpartum Care

Mar 15, 2024

Breaking Language Barriers: How ADA Provides Multilingual Support for Asian Families in Postpartum Care

Breaking Language Barriers: How ADA Provides Multilingual Support for Asian Families in Postpartum Care

Breaking Language Barriers: How ADA Provides Multilingual Support for Asian Families in Postpartum Care

Breaking Language Barriers: How ADA Provides Multilingual Support for Asian Families in Postpartum Care

Feb 28, 2024

Empowering Doulas, Enriching Families

The Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) is dedicated to setting new standards in postpartum care through culturally integrated training and multilingual support. We empower doulas to provide compassionate, expert care tailored to the unique needs of Asian families, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for mothers and newborns. Join us in our mission to enrich lives through tradition and modern excellence.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Empowering Doulas, Enriching Families

The Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) is dedicated to setting new standards in postpartum care through culturally integrated training and multilingual support. We empower doulas to provide compassionate, expert care tailored to the unique needs of Asian families, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for mothers and newborns. Join us in our mission to enrich lives through tradition and modern excellence.

Contact Us

Contact Us