The Importance Of Doulas
The Importance of Doulas
Being a pregnant Black woman in the United States is precarious situation. Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from complications related to pregnancy than white women.
Both Beyonce & Serena Williams have spoken out about their brushes with death and/or serious pregnancy related complications. Luckily, both women were able to effectively advocate for themselves, had excellent care, and the kind of money that says “you’d better take me seriously or face a huge malpractice lawsuit!”
And while it’s great that they are brining attention to the issue, the average Black woman may not have the influence, power, or finances to effectively advocate on their own behalf, especially in hospitals where institutional racism is a major contributing factor in America’s maternal-mortality-crisis, which is one of the reasons why Black doulas are extremely important.
“Doulas, especially black doulas, are a vital part of improving black maternal infant health outcomes. Doulas provide non-clinical continuous labor support. Evidence shows improved outcomes from continuous support.” -International Doula Institute
The beautiful thing about Doulas:
Doulas can help make your birthing journey an easeful process. They provide a spectrum of support for the physical, mental and emotional needs of mothers throughout the pregnancy, birthing and post-partum experience. They can help demystify and humanize the the entire experience for parents and babies by centering the vision and needs of the people going through the experience.
Doulas can advocate for you and help you navigate the medical system based on your needs and desires. They can help you create a birth plan and help faciliate that plan from start to finish.
If you’re curious about learning more or looking for a black doula, please visit: National Black Doulas Association®
A doula’s role includes:
Providing prenatal education, including common ailments women should immediately contact their doctor for (severe headache, preterm labor signs, vision changes, etc.)
Sharing evidenced-based birth information to help their clients make informed decisions so they can be their own advocates
Offering continuous labor support to reduce the risk of needing medical interventions including a c-section which increases the risk of complications
Help a client to feel confident in speaking up for themselves, or helping their support person to do so on their behalf
Educating clients about what to expect at the end of pregnancy, during labor, and in the immediate postpartum period so they recognize if something doesn’t seem right and can seek interventive care
Assist clients in making informed decisions about birth location, choosing a medical care provider, and picking a supportive birth team
Provide a professional who clients can relate to and feel comfortable with due to representative care
Have you or anyone you know worked with a Doula? Know any reputable black Doulas? Leave a comment below so we can spread the resources!
