Changing the odds for low income mothers in Louisiana.
Care That Changes Everything
Low income mothers across Louisiana face barriers in birth care that have nothing to do with their strength, their health, or their choices. In St. Landry Parish, the impact of those gaps is felt deeply.
Community Birth Companion was created to fill that gap with something powerful: community. Through doulas, childbirth education, and breastfeeding support, we surround mothers with knowledgeable, compassionate care rooted right here in Opelousas. When mothers are informed and supported, outcomes change.
The Women Behind the Work
Devin Bailey-Nicholas (left), affectionately known as Divine, is the Founder and Executive Director of Community Birth Companion, started in 2012 with the mission of lowering infant and maternal mortality rates in St. Landry Parish. Divine is also a Licensed Certified Professional Midwife, Certified Lactation Counselor, Maternal-Child Community Health Worker, and Doula Trainer. Currently, she's the local Ambassador for the National Perinatal Task Force and winner of the Louisiana Blue Foundation Angel Award®. She lives with her husband and children in Opelousas, Louisiana.
Elder Charlotte Marie Shilo-Goudeau (right) is a Licensed Certified Professional Midwife and the founder of P.Y.O.B.E. (Pick Your Own Birthing Experience) and Mama CHAR’s Birthing Service, based in Maringouin, Louisiana. She is a respected leader in maternal health, with over 40 years of combined personal and professional experience in midwifery, education, and community-based care. Elder Charlotte holds numerous professional certifications and serves in instructional, advisory, and mentorship roles at the national and international levels. Her work emphasizes evidence-based practice, holistic care, and cultural responsiveness. She is also a devoted wife and mother. With academic training from multiple Louisiana institutions, Elder Charlotte remains committed to advancing maternal health outcomes, mentoring future birth professionals, and serving families with integrity and excellence. Community Birth Companion is honored to have her as our Maternal Health Advisor and Doula Trainer.
2025 Angel Award Winter
Receiving the Angel Award from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is a deep honor. This work is my calling, and I do not take that lightly. Every day I am grateful for the team that stands beside me, for the community that trusts us, and for the strength that keeps us going even when this work is hard. This recognition reminds me that we are on the right path. - Divine
From Our Community
-
![A black and white photo of a woman wearing a headscarf holding a young child wrapped in a blanket close to her chest.]()
“I am definitely satisfied with the doula care I received. I didn't know what to expect but I felt having someone concerned about my mental and physical health was a bonus. Being able to help educate dad was good and necessary because he could not go inside many of my appointments, especially showing him how to help while we labored at home.”
-
![A woman holding a smiling young child on a beach during sunset.]()
“The best part about my experience with CBC was Mrs. Charlotte. She is like family, we love her. She is a great advocate.”
-
![A woman and a young girl smiling outdoors, with the woman holding the girl in her arms. The background shows a natural setting with trees and bushes.]()
“Having a birth companion I was spiritually connected with and being able to have her by my side through the whole experience… made me feel like I mattered, both husband and I and our baby, and she kept me informed and supported every decision I chose to make.”
Support a Mother Today
The work we do is powered by the generosity of people who believe every mother deserves to be supported, heard, and cared for. Through donations, you are helping a mother walk into her birth experience prepared and supported. You are helping a baby come home safely. You are investing in a community.