Thank you for supporting me in my first postpartum race. It is way over do,18 months and technically 7 years postpartum. Maybe I can eventually do a half marathon and be as strong as I was in this photo with one of my best supporters!(2011) This virtual race is for a worthy cause. By donating you will be helping Giving Austin Labor Support(GALS) have resources to assist in a cause that I'm passionate about. Birth outcomes are improved when support is provided. Community-based doulas play an integral role in reducing racial disparities in maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Lee EBJ. Holding Space for Birth with Open Arms: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences of Community-Based Doulas Providing Perinatal Services in Washington State. Published online 2020. Accessed October 22, 2020. https://digital.lib.washington.edu:443/researchworks/handle/1773/46045

I have found a way to bring my passion of improving the culture of pregnancy and birth to my own career. I look forward to using my physical therapy skills and extensive training in obstetric physical therapy to educate and support women in this time of their lives. I would love it if we could form a mini group to run. If there are any other local pregnant or postpartum moms that would like to join me in training or running in this event I would love to support each other. Let's Push it for GALS!!

GALS is all about options, support, & respect.

Founded in 2008, Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS) is dedicated to improving birth outcomes and empowering undersupported families. We provide education and support to birthing people and health care workers from pregnancy through postpartum. We've supported over 500 families through the On Call Birth Support Program, Prenatal Doula Program, and Jail Support Progam.

• GALS works to improve outcomes by reducing unneccessay interventions. The cesarean rate with a GALS present: 15.3 % of births since 2012. Nationally this number hovers much higher than health oganizations advise with cesareans occuring in around 33% of births.
• Satisfaction is important becuase a less traumatic birth means a lower likelihood of postpartum mental health disorders. 100 percent of GALS birthing families say the birth was better because of the GALS volunteer.
• Building community means supporting health care workers so they can focus on the health and welbeing of the patient. 100 percent of medical staff say they would recommend GALS to another patient.

Birth workers & Volunteers make our mission come to life. Coming from a grassroots organization, GALS has grown as a nonprofit to serve the greater birth community. By providing training and resources to new and experienced birth workers and advocates, GALS provides opportunities for doulas to learn and grow in community with each other and the families we serve.

Be a part of something bigger, donate today!