Black birthing people are faced with systemic inequities, microaggressions, a lack of respect, and quality gaps in care, often due to biases and preconceived ideas that exist within the healthcare system. As a result, Black birthing people often experience poorer birth and maternal health outcomes.
A report from the Louisiana Health Department shows that:
Doulas can help mothers understand their own power and ability for self-advocacy during their pregnancy and birth. They can help make sure that mothers are respected and that their voices are heard. This is especially important for Black mothers, who often report feeling unheard, ignored, or not listened to during pregnancy and childbirth. Research has shown that with a doula present, Black women, more often than not, experience shorter labor, fewer C-sections, fewer epidurals, and higher rates of breastfeeding success. Mothers also report increased satisfaction with their birthing experience overall when supported by a doula.
Black maternal health outcomes have been a topic of concern for quite some time. Click the link to learn more about the current state of Black maternal health and how doulas can change the tide!