There is a maternal health crisis in the United States that is disproportionately affecting African-American families at alarming rates. Black women and birthing people are three to four times more likely to have pregnancy or childbirth related complications that cost them their lives than their White counterparts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of pregnancy-related complications are preventable. Systemic racism and implicit bias contribute to these disparities. Help us by donating to our Black Mamas Thrive Fund to make doula services more affordable for those in need.
How can our doulas help?
Improve communication between patients and providers
A doula with similar cultural background can provide extra comfort for some clients
Help clients find care providers that fit their needs and desires
Help with advocacy
Provide education to help prepare families
Promote wellness through pregnancy and postpartum
Help connect family to necessary resources through referrals
Less need for cesarean section birth
Decreased requests for pain medications during labor
More likely to rate birth as positive experience
More healthy babies (higher APGAR scores)
Decreased pre-term birth rates
Higher breastfeeding rates
More information about Black maternal health and doula support can be found here:
March of Dimes Position Paper for Doula Support: https://www.marchofdimes.org/materials/Doulas%20and%20birth%20outcomes%20position%20statement%20final%20January%2030%20PM.pdf
CDC Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths:
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/disparities-pregnancy-related-deaths/infographic.html
National Institutes of Health - Systemic Racism:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2021/systemic-racism-key-risk-factor-maternal-death-and-illness
