Improving Birth Outcomes: Strengthening Awareness of and Support for State and Community Doula Networks

Doula care is a method for improving birth outcomes and reducing rates of maternal morbidity and mortality among birthing people of color. However, in many states doula care is not routinely covered by health insurance and doulas aren’t seen as instrumental members of the birthing team. Thus, intentional collective efforts should be made to recognize, promote and compensate doulas for their role in achieving equitable outcomes. In addition, making doula care sustainable is an important step in ensuring that birthing people with the highest prevalence of adverse birth outcomes have the support they need before, during, and after pregnancy.