.png)
Yes, you’re a mom.
But you’re a person first.
At Dowa, we envision a world where every mother is empowered to thrive without guilt or shame. Together, we will build that world.
Our Mission
Ensure all moms have access to the resources, support, and education they need to protect their well-being without fear or judgment.
LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER
I started Dowa in honor of a group of moms that saved my life and helped carry me through a painful period that is now behind me. The name "Dowa" (pronounced doe-ah) comes from the Korean word "dowajo", meaning "help". It is a reflection of my eternal gratitude to these mothers and my commitment to pay it forward.
To be transparent, I did not have a Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). But my trauma compounded with being a mother led to a diagnosis of C-PTSD, a diagnosis I am proudly in recovery from after a difficult journey.
When I think back to where I was to where I am today, I am at a loss for words - the good kind :). All I can hope is that you will believe me when I tell you that recovery is possible, and you do not have to endure the journey alone.
I built Dowa as a stepping stone to seek care and to provide support when access is limited.
If you feel guilty about prioritizing yourself, as many moms do, just remember that taking care of yourself is the greatest gift you can give to your child.
From one mother to another, You matter. Your life matters. Your dreams matter. Your needs matter. Your health and well-being matter. So when you’re ready, please ask for support. You deserve to be healthy and free.
To be transparent, I did not have a Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). But my trauma compounded with being a mother led to a diagnosis of C-PTSD, a diagnosis I am proudly in recovery from after a difficult journey.
When I think back to where I was to where I am today, I am at a loss for words - the good kind :). All I can hope is that you will believe me when I tell you that recovery is possible, and you do not have to endure the journey alone.
I built Dowa as a stepping stone to seek care and to provide support when access is limited.
If you feel guilty about prioritizing yourself, as many moms do, just remember that taking care of yourself is the greatest gift you can give to your child.
From one mother to another, You matter. Your life matters. Your dreams matter. Your needs matter. Your health and well-being matter. So when you’re ready, please ask for support. You deserve to be healthy and free.
With gratitude,
STATUS REPORT
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries.
Of maternal deaths are linked to mental health.
22%
Mothers are impacted by maternal mental health (MMH) conditions.
1in5
Is the estimated economic cost of untreated MMH conditions.
$14B
Of Black mothers will experience MMH conditions. Double the amount of white women but half as likely to receive care.
40%
Of active-duty service members and military spouses experience MMH conditions
35%
Of individuals impacted by MMH remain untreated with symptoms lasting up to 3 years.
75%
“It is unquestionable that there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address mental health issues among expectant and postpartum mothers. MMH conditions don’t impact just the mother, they impact the whole family. We need to ensure access to quality on-going care well beyond the perinatal period to safeguard maternal health and well-being.”
STELLA FALKNER
Founder of Dowa
Dowa helps moms heal and thrive.
Join Our Newsletter
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
.png)
.png)