WTEP Helps Pass Doula Resolution

Last week, a bipartisan resolution recognizing the crucial work of doulas, passed through the Senate. The resolution, introduced by Senators Dick Durbin and Susan Collins, working in close collaboration with the What to Expect Project, acknowledges the important work and contributions of doulas towards improving pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes; lowering pregnancy and childbirth related costs; overcoming maternal health barriers for women in rural areas; and reducing the impact of racial bias on pregnant and postpartum women of color. The resolution also designates the week of May 9th as “National Doula Week” in honor of the dedicated work that doulas provide to help pregnant and postpartum women nationwide.

There is no better investment in our collective future than maternal health — delivering the respectful, responsive, comprehensive continuum of care every mom needs to deliver a healthy beginning and a healthier future for herself and the baby she loves.

“There is no better investment in our collective future than maternal health — delivering the respectful, responsive, comprehensive continuum of care every mom needs to deliver a healthy beginning and a healthier future for herself and the baby she loves. I’ve always said that doulas are the missing link in that care —a cost-effective, easily scaleable, family-focused, community-centered source of the physical and emotional support, information, and empowerment that every mom, but especially our most vulnerable moms, deserve. No mom should stand alone, and no mom should deliver unsupported. With a doula by her side, no mom has to.” -Heidi Murkoff, founder of What To Expect Project and author of What To Expect When You’re Expecting

The Senate resolution:

• Reaffirms the important role of doulas in maternal care and addressing maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States;
• Acknowledges that access to doula support services, especially in underserved communities, may contribute to improved birth outcomes and lower health care costs;
• Urges greater recognition and support for the important role that doulas play in—
  • supporting improved pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes, including maternal mental health;
  • reducing health care costs and working towards the elimination of health disparities; and
  • overcoming barriers for women of color and women in rural areas;
• Designates the week of May 9, 2021, as “Doula Week” to raise awareness for, and advocate for the benefits of, doulas and the support services doulas provide.

We are grateful to Senators Dick Durbin and Susan Collins and to Representative Gwen Moore for their leadership and commitment as champions of maternal health.

Full text of the Senate resolution is available here.