Our Story

AAVE Doula Collaborative also known as AAVE Doula was established in April 2024 by our President & Executive Director, Alreema Vining, following her tenure as the Assistant Director of Perinatal Workforce at a local Newark organization. Frustrated by the lack of adequate training for doulas in New Jersey and the often-overlooked recommendations she made within organizations, Alreema was inspired to create a program that would empower and educate doulas. With the support of her doula sisters, Jacquelyn and Shayvonne she embarked on this mission. The name AAVE draws from our southern roots, representing not only African American Vernacular but also our commitment to families by Advocating for, Advancing, Validating, and Empowering doulas' knowledge.

We are a dedicated team of African American and Native American Indian birth workers committed to transforming maternal and child health outcomes. By connecting with passionate individuals and organizations, we aim to uplift our communities through evidenced based education and advocacy. While we acknowledge that doulas alone cannot eradicate institutional bias, we believe they play a vital role in promoting equality and equity for the families we serve. Join us in making a difference!

Meet Our Founder

Alreema Vining, (CD) SMC & DONA

President & Executive Director

Alreema Vining from Newark, New Jersey is a devoted mother of three, a passionate advocate for maternal health, and a Certified Full Spectrum Doula Practitioner serving families in New Jersey and Virginia, with plans to expand across throughout the East Coast region by 2026.

Her journey into birth work began in 2011, initially supporting new mothers as a postpartum helper. Following her own experiences with pregnancy, miscarriage, and a near-fatal birth with her youngest child, Alreema committed fully to the field in 2018. Since then, she has trained extensively in areas including newborn care, parental mental health, breastfeeding, infant and maternal loss, family leave, Reiki, and childbirth education. While she is skilled in many areas, her specialties remain around postpartum care, bereavement support, newborn care, and public speaking.

Alreema plays a critical role in advancing maternal health at the state level. She currently serves on advisory committees for NJMIHIA, CIVITAS, and the Birth Justice Taskforce. She also consults on the development of maternal health and community doula programs, partners with hospitals, and manages programs such as DMAHS to support Medicaid enrollment for doulas.

She is the founder and operator of three impactful organizations:

Nurturing Baybees – a doula agency centered on family care;
Nurturing Families Two – a community-based family support program;
AAVE Doula Collaborative – a doula training and Medicaid billing organization that also serves as the Medicaid Doula Learning Collaborative (DLC) under the New Jersey Department of Health.

As a lifelong learner, Alreema is pursuing a degree in Public Health at Walden University, with the ultimate goal of earning her doctorate.

At the core of her mission is the belief in nurturing—whether it’s a new family or a new doula entering the field. She emphasizes the importance of supporting the entire family unit, including partners, and advocates for greater attention to the "forgotten-mester": postpartum. As she often says,
"This is where life and death happens—whether physically or mentally. Change postpartum, save a life."

Our Mission

Our Vision

At AAVE, we are dedicated to supporting doulas in the Eastern region of the United States through our emerging nationally recognized, community-based training programs. Our unique curriculum is designed by experienced doulas who draw from their personal and professional journeys, providing authentic education that resonates with diverse populations, especially those that are marginalized. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, nurturing every applicant as they navigate educational and career opportunities within our program.

At AAVE, we envision a future where empowered individuals drive meaningful change in birth justice and community engagement. We are committed to connecting with and training passionate advocates in Medicaid enrollment and other essential areas, fostering a birthing community of educated and responsible doulas dedicated to supporting families. Together, we will cultivate a culture of knowledge and advocacy that transforms the future of birthing experiences. We aim to create a more equitable community through compassionate care and informed support.

Our Family

Get to know the passionate individuals behind AAVE Doula Collaborative. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your doula journey.