The State of World Doulas

I had the honor of sitting in on a webinar this past week from the Partnership for Maternal Child Health of Northern New Jersey that my friend and colleague Jill Wodnick was presenting on.  She inspired me as I am preparing to present on the  Successes and Challenges for International Implementation of Doula Services for the V Conferência Internacional sobre Humanização do Parto e Nascimento conference in Brazil.  I decided this information is too important not to share with you too!

I hope you enjoy our Doula Spotlight, please join me to celebrate the invaluable contributions of doulas worldwide as I  share updates on the latest developments in doula care. 

Doula Highlight: International Childbirth Initiative (ICI): 12 Steps for Safe and Respectful MotherBaby -Family Maternity Care: 

  • ICI Step 4: Offering Continuous Support during labor and birth including doulas. 
  • The ICI includes how Doulas play a crucial role in providing continuous support, contributing to positive birthing experiences and improved outcomes for mothers and newborns.
  • This week I am celebrating  the longstanding presence of doulas in Brazil.   Sophia Feldman Maternity Hospital in Brazil is  a pioneer in the implementation of ICI and a shining example of the integral role doulas play in maternity care.


Global Reach of Doula Services

  • Esther Kimani, a new doula trainer along with Amadoma Bediako recently taught a DONA doula training at an ICI site in Kenya.  ICI sites worldwide include doula partnerships in  Bali, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mongolia, Turkey, Quebec, Canada, Brazil, Kenya  and many more ICI healthcare facilities are recognizing the importance of integrating doulas into maternity care, acknowledging their role in fostering Safe, Respectful MotherBaby-Family Maternity Care.

Legislative Advances in New Jersey

  • In my home state of New Jersey, S-4119/A-5739 was signed in January stating that “ hospitals and birthing centers must develop and maintain policies that allow doulas to accompany patients before, during, and after labor and childbirth. These facilities will also be required to publicly post their policies and designate a contact to maintain communications between their staff, the doula community, and patients.”  https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562024/approved/20240116i.shtml 
  • This bill reflects growing recognition of doulas’ ability to reduce complications, lower C-section rates, create equity  and provide essential support during childbirth.
  • Notably, doulas in NJ are covered by Medicaid; public insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, and many corporate insurance plans, ensuring accessibility for birthing families across the state.

Updates on Doula Care and Medicaid Reimbursement across the US

State of Doula Care in New York

Partnership Strategies with Doulas

California Doula Reimbursement is increased to  the highest in the U.S 

Addressing Challenges in Doula Care

While there are many positives happening with doulas in the US and around the world.   This Doula report reflects on doula burnout, traumatic births and childcare needs and the opportunity to hear doulas as well as the importance of equity for all to become doulas  as well as to have a doula from the community —https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WB/WB_issuebrief-doulas-v3.pdf 

BECOME A DOULA

VIRTUAL DONA Birth Doula Training February 2024

After reading all the ways doulas are spreading around the world, are you ready to join Our doula workshop?

 

I invite you to join our upcoming DONA birth doula workshops where magic happens as we dive into the intricacies of doula support and explore ways to enhance perinatal health outcomes through compassionate care.

The cost of the doula workshop is less than the reimbursement for one client in NJ.  Where else can you take a class and in your first client not only make back what you spent to take the training but earn more too.  I don’t know any other field that compensates you so fast and in so many ways.

 

Doulas who finish our workshop say:

“You can tell how much Debra truly cares about spreading knowledge and wisdom about birth! Her demeanor and care for each individual in the training was apparent and love was shining through her even through a computer screen!!” – Abby


“What an amazing workshop! Debra is such a warm and inviting teacher. She encourages community between the students and listens to everyone’s stories with such intent. She answers all questions throughly and thoughtfully. I am honored to have been taught by someone with so much experience. I can’t wait to share all the knowledge that we were lucky enough to get.” – Michaela

“This was my second training with Debra and she’s absolutely knowledgeable. Her experience in the field provided me with comfort and understanding. Her warm and calm demeanor are one of a kind! I would definitely take another training or workshop with Debra❤️” – Marisol