March of Dimes and CVS Health Foundation Enhance Maternal Care with Doula Initiative

Advancing Maternal Care Through Doula Support

In an important step toward improving maternity care across the United States, March of Dimes, a leading voice for moms and infants' health, has partnered with the CVS Health Foundation to launch the second phase of the Equitable Access to Doula Care Project. This initiative aims to broaden awareness of doula services and boost the doula workforce, ensuring more families can receive the care they deserve.

Currently, many women in the U.S. face significant barriers to accessing quality maternity care during and after pregnancy, which can lead to heightened risks for both mothers and their babies. Disturbingly, a study conducted by March of Dimes and Harris Poll revealed that while a majority of people are familiar with traditional maternity care providers such as OB-GYNs and midwives, nearly 50% of respondents had never heard of doulas. This underscores the need for education and advocacy in maternal care, particularly regarding the crucial role that doulas play.

Doulas are trained professionals devoted to enhancing the clinical care provided to expecting mothers. They offer a range of support, including emotional encouragement, educational resources, and physical assistance throughout the pregnancy journey. Studies suggest that doulas can lead to reduced complications, lower stress levels, and higher breastfeeding rates, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for both mothers and their newborns.

Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, expressed pride in continuing the collaboration with CVS Health. “Every birthing person should feel seen, heard, and supported through their pregnancy experience,” she stated. “Doulas provide an essential service that fosters a positive pregnancy journey and is vital for improving outcomes for both moms and babies.”

The Equitable Access to Doula Care Project represents a $4 million investment over five years, aimed at elevating the significance of doulas, diversifying the workforce, and supplying families and healthcare providers with reliable resources showcasing how doulas contribute to better health outcomes.

This initiative involves two cohorts of community-based teams, each participating in a 30-month phased collaboration to expand the reach of community-based doula care. Collaborating organizations and local maternity care hospitals lead these teams, all belonging to the March of Dimes Doula Action Learning Community.

The second cohort is focused on enhancing doula access in four key communities nationwide:
1. East Orange, NJ - The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative aims to tackle disparities in Black maternal and infant health through advocacy and education, working with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to promote doula-friendly practices.
2. Riverside, CA - Grounded Beginnings, LLC is dedicated to culturally tailored doula training to better serve specific communities and will partner with Loma Linda University Hospital to offer essential resources to families.
3. Buffalo, NY - Calming Nature Doula Service Center provides pain management and comprehensive education throughout pregnancy and postpartum, collaborating with Sisters of Charity and Sister's Hospitals to ensure ongoing education for doulas and patients alike.
4. Oxnard, CA - The Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) focuses on empowering Indigenous migrant communities in California, providing necessary training and certification for doulas in partnership with Ventura County Medical Center.

Through the Equitable Access to Doula Care Project, participating sites receive extensive professional education, consumer education resources, community grants, and technical support. These comprehensive resources enable each site to promote and maintain equitable doula care in their respective communities.

As March of Dimes continues its legacy of dedicated support for all families since 1938, initiatives such as this reflect a commitment to ensuring better health outcomes for both mothers and babies. By investing in community resources and enhancing the role of doulas, the project aims to create a foundation for healthier pregnancies nationwide.

For more information, visit marchofdimes.org.