A Doula Story: On the Front Lines of Teen Pregnancy

Loretha Weisinger is a “doula” (Greek for “labor coach”) for poor, single teen mothers in an African-American neighborhood on the west side of Chicago. Filmmaker Daniel Alpert's A Doula Story presents a thoroughly engaging portrait of Weisinger's life and hard work in an effort to raise awareness about teen pregnancy issues and broaden support for community-based doula programs such as Project Hope at Marillac House, where Weisinger works. A sensitive, fierce, one-woman support network, Weisinger's personal experiences (as a former near-suicidal teen mother in the same neighborhood) prompted her to help girls to navigate the turbulent waters of motherhood, and we witness her daily routine with several young mothers-to-be: offering comfort during emotional breakdowns, coaching in the delivery room, and negotiating other crises during the weeks before and after the birth of their children. Alpert's camera follows Weisinger into the streets, the girls' homes, neighborhood centers, clinics, and doctors' offices, illustrating how fulfilling yet demanding a doula's job can be when caring for those who feel lonely, scared, and abandoned. A matter-of-fact, pro-active, good-hearted woman, Weisinger says, “You nurture her, so she can nurture the baby. This is what I was born to do.” DVD extras include a 20-minute bonus program and a resource and discussion guide. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (A. Cantú)