Doulas: Using Influence, Voice and Presence to Improve Outcomes

Over the past two years, a perfect storm has emerged for childbearing families in the US. Families are asked to weather, often alone, unconscionable conditions including: decades of pre-existing and unaddressed health inequities fueled by structural racism in all of health care, the emergence of COVID 19 and the Delta variant, expanding maternity care deserts, a maternity care workforce shortage, and increasing awareness uncovering the breadth and causes for maternal mortality in the US – the worst outcomes of all high-income countries. This session will explore data driving the need for advocacy and action and provide recommendations on how doulas can use their personal and professional influence, voice, and presence to drive change in a variety of settings.