The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to ask county staff to create a report on how to fund and implement a “hub” of resources and support for birth workers and families alike.
Doulas provide expecting and new mothers or birthing people with educational, emotional, and physical support before, during and after a baby is born. They’re not doctors or midwives. Think of them more like coaches or advocates for pregnant people and their families.
A higher rate of mothers and babies die in the U.S. every year compared to other developed countries. California does pretty well compared to other states, but still has stark racial disparities. For example, Black babies are twice as likely to die compared with the state’s average infant mortality rate. Black people are 4 times more likely to die in childbirth compared to white people.
“Research and experience shows us that the root cause of this disparity is systemic racism,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who put forward Tuesday’s motion. “Studies show Black maternal death rates remain higher, even when differences in economic status and education are taken into account.”
How Doulas Help
Research shows working with a doula can lead to healthier births. The continuous support doulas provide has been tied to fewer preterm births, cesarean sections, and higher rates of breastfeeding.
The new proposal follows a decision by Medi-Cal, the state’s public health insurance program for low-income people, to add doula services as a covered benefit beginning this past January. That means people can ask for doula support through miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion.
“We’re not quite sure how statewide families will know about it and what kind of support doulas will receive…
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