Presented in Partnership with Village Birth International &
Syracuse Healthy Start/Onondaga County Health Department

A Doula Story documents one woman’s fierce commitment to empower pregnant teenagers with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident nurturing mothers.

A woman of remarkable magnetism and complexity, Loretha Weisinger returns to the same disadvantaged neighborhood where she once struggled as a teen mom. She uses compassion and humor to teach the young mothers-to-be about everything from the importance of breast-feeding and reading to their babies to the practical details of communicating effectively with healthcare professionals.

A community doula for more than 10 years, Loretha knows that pregnant teens need guidance and education, not judgment or pity. In the face of overwhelming challenges—from absentee fathers and drug addiction to the disparagement of society—a doula reveals how one person can make a difference in the lives of young mothers and their babies. A moderated discussion will follow the film. Free to the Public.

About the Gifford Foundation ‘What If…” Film Series

The “What If…” Film Series offers free screenings, with moderated discussions, on community change efforts across the country. The purpose of the Series is to screen documentary films that address a community or social issue and show how communities are working to bring about positive social change on this issue. Films are selected based upon their resonance with community issues in Syracuse, NY and the surrounding area and the ability to spark ideas on how our community can also change by asking “What if we tried this in Syracuse?”

Learn about Gifford Foundation What If… Mini Grants