How Doulas Are Supporting Black Mothers in Bakersfield, Where the System Falls Short

June 6, 2026

Kern County, California faces a maternal health crisis, with pregnancy-related mortality rates more than double the state average, and Black mothers experiencing life-threatening birth complications at nearly three times the rate of white women in the county. In response to these alarming disparities, doulas—trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and childbirth—are increasingly being recognized as vital partners in maternal care. Since January 2023, California's Medi-Cal program has begun covering doula services, helping to expand access to this support, particularly for Black mothers who use doulas at higher rates than other groups.

Who is affected

Black mothers in Kern County and California (experiencing pregnancy-related mortality at nearly four times the rate of white women in California)
All pregnant mothers in Kern County (facing mortality rates more than double California's average)
Specific mothers mentioned: Treana Adams, Lexus Block, and Nu'Ponica Barker
Babies born to Black and African American mothers in Kern County (experiencing higher rates of infant mortality and low birth weight)
Doulas in Kern County, including Dani Wallace and Raven Thomas
Medical professionals working in maternal care, including Dr. Chibuike Anucha
Kern County Public Health department
The Southern Central Valley region (highest pregnancy-related mortality rate in California at 27 per 100,000 live births)

What action is being taken

California Department of Health Care Services is covering doula services under Medi-Cal maternal care plans (since January 1, 2023)
Dani Wallace is accompanying mothers to appointments, preparing them with questions, coaching them to speak up, and providing continuous labor support
Wallace is conducting training sessions for doulas (trained 29 certified doulas in March)
Three Moons Doula Collective is conducting doula training
Kern County Public Health is working on improving access to doulas and increasing collaboration between the medical community and doulas
Dr. Anucha and other medical professionals are working alongside doulas as part of care teams
Doulas are providing physical, emotional, and informational support including prenatal visits, labor coaching, breathing techniques, massage, and postpartum care

Why it matters

This matters because 85% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, yet Black women nationally die at more than three times the rate of white women from pregnancy-related causes. In Kern County specifically, the crisis is even more severe, with the Southern Central Valley region having the highest pregnancy-related mortality rate in California. Doulas are providing critical advocacy and support that helps bridge communication gaps between patients and medical providers, ensuring mothers' voices are heard and their birth plans are respected. For Black mothers facing disproportionate risks, doulas serve as a safeguard against medical dismissal and can mean the difference between life and death, as evidenced by the experiences of mothers who felt violated or ignored until their doula intervened.

What's next

Three Moons Doula Collective is set to train another batch of doulas in June 2026
Kern County Public Health continues working on increasing prenatal care in the first trimester, decreasing infant mortality, and decreasing low birth weight rates

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint