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Supporting Black and African American Families with Doula Services

May 29, 2025

Black and African American mothers in the United States face a maternal health crisis, being three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white mothers according to CDC data. In California, maternal mortality disproportionately affects Black women, with a rate of 50. 3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.

Who is affected

  • Black and African American pregnant individuals and families
  • Black women over 40 (who face a maternal mortality rate nearly five times higher than those under 25)
  • Medi-Cal mothers eligible for Blue Shield Promise's doula program
  • Infants born to mothers without adequate prenatal and delivery support
  • Californians experiencing pregnancy-related complications (with statistics showing one Californian dies every five days)

What action is being taken

  • Blue Shield Promise is working to expand access to doula care for Medi-Cal mothers
  • Doulas are providing continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant individuals before, during, and after birth
  • Doulas are guiding families through pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and postpartum periods
  • Doulas are helping mothers advocate for themselves in medical settings
  • Doulas are monitoring for signs of postpartum depression and connecting families with additional resources

Why it matters

  • Black and African American mothers face a mortality rate three times higher than white mothers
  • In California, non-Hispanic Black women experienced a maternal mortality rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023
  • Studies show doula support leads to lower rates of C-sections, reduced epidural labor times, and fewer low-birthweight and premature deliveries
  • Doula care helps address systematic bias in healthcare that contributes to poor outcomes
  • Research shows mothers with doula support have more successful breastfeeding experiences and lower rates of postpartum depression

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

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