A WGSS lecturer spoke at the county supervisors' meeting, indicating that those parents least able to cover the cost of a doula tend to be at the greatest risk of pregnancy complications and infant and maternal mortality
From San Diego County:
03/01/22
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors today passed Chair Nathan Fletcher’s policy by a vote of 4 to 0 to create a Doula Pilot Program to support the perinatal needs of underserved San Diego County parents.
“We should do all we can to provide quality, affordable healthcare to all. That starts with opening up opportunities for those with the least access and worst health outcomes. This new pilot program will generate better outcomes by providing doulas to assist in pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and by training the next generation of doulas to serve their communities,” said Chair Fletcher. “The Doula Pilot Program is another action we are taking to create a better life for children and families in San Diego County." Doulas, individuals who are trained to provide guidance and support during labor and the following birth, can significantly improve health outcomes. For Black, Indigenous and people of color there is a lack of access to doulas due to cost, inadequate health care, and an absence of providers from these populations. The passing of the policy calls for the County to develop the parameters of the pilot program and seek contracts with local organizations and Doulas to:
serve more individuals at no cost to the clients,
train more doulas to serve the community, and
promote better health outcomes.
Doulas are effective because they are a constant presence throughout the labor and birthing process and can help empower parents to seek the care and treatment they need. Doulas help to:
decrease the number of cesarean sections (C-sections),
lower the rate of epidural and pain medication use,
increase healthy birth outcomes,
increase breastfeeding rates, and
decrease rates of postpartum depression.
Commenti