Dr. Jacquelyn McMillian Bohler Ph.D., CNM, CNE, Co-Presenter

Jacqui is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Duke University School of Nursing. She teaches Health Promotion and Perinatal Nursing in the pre-professional and Master’s Degree programs. Passionate about teaching and helping others achieve excellence in teaching. She has presented nationally, regionally, and locally on the subject of faculty development, and has and published on the subjects of inclusive teaching strategies, student engagement, and addressing racism.

As a Certified Nurse-Midwife for more than 22 years, Jacqui provided full-scope women’s health care in Charleston South Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, and Louisville, Kentucky. Jacqui is also interested in global women’s health issues. She has precepted nursing students in China, South America, and the Philippines.

Dr. McMillian Bohler’s notable recognitions include the Alumni Award for Clinical Achievement from Vanderbilt University for her work with migrant workers and pregnant teens in rural South Carolina, the American College of Nurse-Midwives Vanderbilt Nurse-Midwifery Faculty of the Year, and the Kentucky African American Nurses Association Educator of the Year Award. She was also honored with a research Award from the Alpha Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at Villanova University and an Excellence in Teaching Award at Duke University School of Nursing. Jacqui has been in perinatal education for more than 17 years.

Session

Racial Disparities in Perinatal Health, A National Crisis: Concordant Perinatal Doulas are Making a Difference

The U.S. has the highest rates of perinatal mortality and morbidity among high wealthy countries. And while this needs to be addressed overall, it’s clear that Black birthing people suffer disproportionately high rates. In the U.S., Black birthers and their babies die at 3-4 times the rate of their White counterparts and their babies.

Doulas have been shown to improve birth outcomes. This project’s unique strength is a holistic approach to addressing perinatal morbidity and mortality among Black birthers. Workforce diversity is particularly urgent in supportive care during pregnancy and childbirth. High fees and limited availability of culturally appropriate training have made it very difficult for Black doulas to receive DONA certification.

This unique project is a significant step toward addressing this key equity issue. We have implemented a model to address racial inequities in access to culturally appropriate doula care and in access to Doula certification among Black families.