Cultivating Care: The Transformative Role of Doulas in Maternal Health at the Center for Black Women’s Wellness
Abstract
A 2019 report from Georgia’s House Study Committee on Maternal Mortality found that approximately 60 percent of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. A third of maternal deaths occurred between one week to a year after childbirth, and Black women suffered three to four times more pregnancy-related deaths than white women.
The Atlanta Healthy Start Initiative (AHSI) is a maternal and child health home visitation program provided by the Center for Black Women’s Wellness that works to reduce negative health outcomes among Black women and babies. To better address the perinatal issues and disparities, the CBWW expanded AHSI to include doula services for their pregnant and parenting mothers.
Doulas are trained professionals that offer a unique form of perinatal service by providing emotional and physical support, and evidence-based information prenatally, throughout labor, and up to 3 months postpartum to delivering mothers and their families. Research shows that doulas have a positive impact on maternal and infant health indicators, including lower rates of cesarean sections, higher rates of breastfeeding initiation, lower rates of preterm birth and low birthweight deliveries, and higher patient satisfaction of overall birth experience.
In September 2022, CBWW began the process of implementing a doula pilot program. In partnership with the Atlanta Doula Collective, clients began receiving doula services in February 2023. Between February and November 2023, 62 clients were served by the doulas. Overall, the doulas' presence and support proved essential in empowering clients to navigate their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey effectively. They played a vital role in educating clients, encouraging them to attend postpartum visits, and providing valuable insights into various aspects of pregnancy and postpartum care. Additionally, the doulas' involvement served to complement the support provided by other members of the AHSI care team, ensuring a more holistic and comprehensive approach to client care.
Keywords
Doula, Maternal & Child Health, Health Equity, Perinatal Health
Cultivating Care: The Transformative Role of Doulas in Maternal Health at the Center for Black Women’s Wellness
A 2019 report from Georgia’s House Study Committee on Maternal Mortality found that approximately 60 percent of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. A third of maternal deaths occurred between one week to a year after childbirth, and Black women suffered three to four times more pregnancy-related deaths than white women.
The Atlanta Healthy Start Initiative (AHSI) is a maternal and child health home visitation program provided by the Center for Black Women’s Wellness that works to reduce negative health outcomes among Black women and babies. To better address the perinatal issues and disparities, the CBWW expanded AHSI to include doula services for their pregnant and parenting mothers.
Doulas are trained professionals that offer a unique form of perinatal service by providing emotional and physical support, and evidence-based information prenatally, throughout labor, and up to 3 months postpartum to delivering mothers and their families. Research shows that doulas have a positive impact on maternal and infant health indicators, including lower rates of cesarean sections, higher rates of breastfeeding initiation, lower rates of preterm birth and low birthweight deliveries, and higher patient satisfaction of overall birth experience.
In September 2022, CBWW began the process of implementing a doula pilot program. In partnership with the Atlanta Doula Collective, clients began receiving doula services in February 2023. Between February and November 2023, 62 clients were served by the doulas. Overall, the doulas' presence and support proved essential in empowering clients to navigate their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey effectively. They played a vital role in educating clients, encouraging them to attend postpartum visits, and providing valuable insights into various aspects of pregnancy and postpartum care. Additionally, the doulas' involvement served to complement the support provided by other members of the AHSI care team, ensuring a more holistic and comprehensive approach to client care.
