May 1, 2025 — NEWARK — A new art exhibit in Newark is shining a light on the essential — and often unseen — work of doulas, whose support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum plays a critical role in improving outcomes for parents and babies.
The immersive installation, unveiled this week at NJPAC, was created in collaboration with Newark Art Space, social justice partners including Narrative Initiative, In Good Company, and the Burke Foundation, and other community organizations.
The exhibit explores how doulas help improve birth experiences and outcomes, particularly for Black women, who in New Jersey are seven times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Through five zones depicting key aspects of a doula’s work — from building trust with clients to navigating moments of grief and partnering with hospitals — the installation gives visibility to a profession that is vital but often overlooked.
The exhibit also underscores the power of art to humanize statistics, inviting visitors to connect personally with the lived experiences of birthing parents and care providers. It will remain on display at NJPAC through July.
Watch the Story: NJ Spotlight News: Newark Exhibit Honors Doulas’ Work in Maternal Health