As studies continue to draw attention to America’s rising maternal mortality rate, the government, health care organizations and individuals are looking for solutions. One of the most touted fixes in legislation and speeches—more involvement of community-based doulas.
Rooted in Black and indigenous ancestral practices, midwives and doulas are proving invaluable birth workers and advocates, especially for Black women who continue to see the highest maternal mortality rates. But a new study shows that while America expects doulas to show up for vulnerable mothers in this crisis, we’re not showing up for them.
The survey conducted by its Mama Glow Foundation large doula community aims to understand why birth workers, especially BIPOC doulas, experience high levels of burnout and leave workers at high rates.
The report identified three main barriers to doula training.
1. Questioned Authority, Autonomy and Qualifications
According to the report, 77 percent of doulas surveyed said they felt unwelcome and disrespected in hospital settings. Doulas often report that many medical providers may not feel comfortable working with doulas, do not understand their role and assign them as family or friends in the labor and delivery room or do not allow them to practice fully.
2. Lack of Communication within the Care Team
Forty-eight percent of respondents said they have issues feeling heard, seen or listened to when it comes to their client’s care. Several doulas described situations in which they were not included passively or actively in conversations.
3. Unpaid Work and Poor Working Conditions
Finally, doulas described the near-constant busyness that comes with scheduling, being underpaid and always on call. Overall, 37 percent said they suffered from unpaid labor and poor working conditions,
Despite these obstacles, there is light for a way forward. Mama Glow believes that we can do the following to ensure that birth workers are seen, heard, and respected, and that their practices are sustained.
- Educate health care providers and leaders so they can better understand the role of doulas and the many benefits of having a doula as part of a labor and delivery team.
- Foster respect and safeguard the autonomy and self-determination of native-born workers everywhere. The lines of communication must be open and all voices must be heard when it comes to patient care.
- Streamline Medicaid processes and increase rates. Overcomplicated, cumbersome paperwork processes prevent doulas from being paid for their services promptly or at all. By simplifying the process, more doulas can provide care to women who need it most.
- Provide a sustainable, progressive wage for doula services. Considering all the heavy lifting, literal and metaphorical, that doulas do every day, they deserve to be fully compensated for their work.
When looking to address these barriers, government, hospitals and individuals should consider that not only will these changes benefit doulas but also improve maternal and infant health outcomes in our country. For more information on how you can support Mama Glow’s efforts, including how you can sponsor a doula training, visit MamaGlowFoundation.org.
