- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
EXPECT AND BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION PARTNER TO DELIVER PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL FITNESS TRAINING &
EXPECT SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR DOULAS
OB/GYN-Approved Fitness App Expect is designed to improve pregnancy outcomes through science-backed fitness to prevent C-sections, premature births, and postpartum depression
BOSTON, MA – June 25, 2025 Expect–the premier prenatal, postnatal and pelvic floor fitness platform where every workout is approved by practicing OB/GYNs–announced a groundbreaking partnership today with the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) to improve outcomes for pregnant mothers and babies in Boston. The Commission’s Boston Healthy Families Community-Based Perinatal Health Project (Boston COPHI) is engaging Expect to implement a training program for doulas focused on the health benefits of prenatal and postnatal fitness. This initiative will empower doulas to encourage their expectant and new mom clients to stay active, in line with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ recommendations for regular exercise during pregnancy and postpartum. Training participants will receive complimentary subscriptions to the Expect app, granting access to a wide range of on-demand workouts, pelvic floor training, and educational content, benefitting both doulas and the pregnant clients they serve in Boston.
“We applaud Boston for investing in women’s health and setting a powerful example for the nation. As the only prenatal and postpartum platform where every workout is approved by OB-GYNs, Expect addresses a critical gap in maternal healthcare. We hope this partnership inspires other cities and states to prioritize preventative maternal health solutions,” Dara Cook, CEO of Expect
“Extensive research shows that exercise significantly reduces the risks of complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension—two conditions that disproportionately affect underserved communities. Boston's initiative to provide training to doulas about pre and postnatal fitness represents a crucial step forward in preventive maternal healthcare, and a framework for other cities to follow," Dr. I-Min Lee, physical activity expert, Harvard Medical School Professor and Special Medical Advisor to Expect
Registered participants in the Expect Boston COPHI training sessions will receive complimentary subscriptions to the Expect app for one trimester.
“Physical changes during pregnancy bring additional demands to a woman's body. Boston COPHI's partnership with Expect will help doulas establish tools and language to promote physical activity during pregnancy and beyond. Doulas now have a tool to connect their families with pre and postpartum fitness activities that are safe, effective, and accessible from their mobile devices,” said Brandy Watts, Director of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Boston COPHI Doula Project.
Boston COPHI connects Black and Latina expectant mothers and in some cases dads with doulas, trained non-medical professionals who provide essential mental, physical, and emotional support throughout pregnancy and postpartum, contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and babies. Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, this Boston Public Health Commission initiative expands access to doula care for maternal wellness. Boston families interested in the program can contact cophi@bphc.org or call 617-534-5832.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend regular exercise during pregnancy and postpartum. People who are physically inactive in pregnancy are at higher risk of complications such as preventable C-sections, premature births, and postpartum depression, and Expect is designed to improve outcomes through science-backed fitness. This collaboration between Expect and Boston COPHI reflects Boston’s dedication to setting a new standard in women’s health, leveraging community-based support and technology to drive meaningful change.
About Expect
Expect is the only prenatal, postnatal and pelvic floor fitness platform where every workout is approved by practicing OB/GYNs. Expect workouts span preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, and include cardio, strength, yoga, Pilates, mindfulness, and Pelvic Floor Rescue, designed by a board-certified physical therapist and approved by a urogynecologist. Health insurers, employers, hospital systems, and municipalities cover Expect subscriptions because maternal fitness is proven to reduce complications and save healthcare costs. Expect is also a Healthworx cohort company, supported by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s innovation arm.
For more information, contact team@expect.fit or visit www.expect.fit.
