How Doulas Can Prevent Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates

Fertility and PlanningDoula & PlanningDoula and Planning
Written By MissPoppins

This initiative underlines how expanding access to doulas and parenting resources directly combats rising mortality rates. In Guam, the Bureau of Women’s Affairs' Guahan Doula Project recently allocated $400,000 toward certifying new doulas across the island (The Borgen Project).

Doulas are  proven lifesavers, especially in communities facing the worst disparities.

In the U.S., Black women experience sky-high maternal mortality rates, with serious and tragic consequences:

The CDC’s 2023 data reports maternal deaths among non-Hispanic Black women rose slightly from 49.5 to 50.3 per 100,000 live births, while rates for white, Hispanic, and Asian women dropped (Axios, AP News). That's more than 3.5 times higher than the rate for white women (AP News).

A 2023 CDC Health E-Stat report confirms:

  • Black women: 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births

  • White women: 14.5

  • Hispanic women: 12.4

  • Asian women: 10.7 (CDC).

Black women in the U.S. continue to face maternal mortality rates two to four times higher than non-Black women—even after accounting for education and income, indicating that systemic issues are at the root (McKinsey, Wikipedia).

Doula Education Programs for Black Families

  • Across the U.S., programs like “Dads to Doulas”, launched by Dear Fathers, are training Black fathers and expectant dads with doula-level skills. Over six weeks, participants learn birthing physiology, labor support techniques, postpartum care, and advocacy strategies for safer births (Dear Fathers). Supported by partners like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, this initiative is currently running cohorts in Indiana, combining in-person and virtual training sessions (Dear Fathers & Anthem).

  • Additional programs are being implemented in urban areas nationwide, focusing on Black, Brown, and low-income communities. These locally based initiatives train doulas from within the neighborhoods they serve, ensuring culturally competent care that meets the unique needs of families (Women’s Health Domain).

Why Doulas Matter in Reducing Mortality

Doulas provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Research shows that doula involvement is linked to:

  • Lower rates of cesarean births

  • Fewer preterm deliveries

  • Increased breastfeeding initiation

  • Stronger maternal perception of control and support

Doulas are now more accessible than ever. Even parents in rural areas can get adequate parental education and support through readily available virtual doula programs as found on MissPoppins.

MissPoppins
Next

What is a Birthing Center?