Okkanti named “Notable Brand making an impact”

Karen Laing has been in the business of supporting expectant and new families for 25 years as the founder of Birthways, a leader in delivering labor and postpartum doula care. However, Laing was eager to tackle the larger issues present within the industry. “Having a baby,” says Laing, “should be safer and better supported for everyone.” The United States ranks among the lowest in industrialized nations for its poor outcomes in maternal health, and Black mothers experience some of the greatest risks. In an effort to solve these disparities and address the increase in preventable complications, doulas have been in the spotlight for their positive impacts. She and her team are making doula care more accessible and creating an infrastructure in that care workers are able to thrive. Launching in Illinois and Wisconsin, Okkanti is helping health systems make unbiased referrals, aiding families to find better care, and providing needed infrastructure for doulas as care entrepreneurs. As a mission-driven B Corp, Okkanti is committed to building generational health for all, caring for families as well as the doulas who serve them. The company is proudly making waves in the industry by putting care workers first as they solve for improving our health system and addressing disparities. Showing such early promise, Okkanti actively embodies what it means to build community and nurture a sense of empathy and empowerment for all…read full article