Doulas play a huge role in the movement to address maternal mortality, not only in Louisiana but across the nation. To reduce maternal health disparities and support this work, we need legislation that makes access to doulas and other maternal health services more abundant and equitable. YOU can also play a huge role in advocating for maternal health by speaking with your representatives and educating them about the importance of this issue. If you want to get involved, check out the directory below to find your legislators and see if any of them are advancing bills related to maternal and child health, then use the information provided to contact them.
To find out who your Louisiana and U.S. legislators are click here.
Black Doula Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about these disparities and advocate for improved access to quality maternal healthcare for Black women. By recognizing the vital role of Black doulas and addressing the unique needs of Black families during pregnancy, Black Doula Day strives to promote positive birth experiences and better outcomes for Black families. The following demands were created to make sure that we protect and honor Black doulas. We acknowledge that doulas are a vital part of the maternal health system, but they are NOT its savior. To learn more about how these demands were created, click here.
Eliminate misconceptions of the doula scope of practice, including the difference between a doula and a midwife.
Doulas should be paid an equitable reimbursement wage via private and Medicaid insurance at a minimum global reimbursement rate of $3000 USD.
Community-based and BIPOC-led organizations and Doulas in the state must be “included” as “experts” in the process of drafting legislation for reimbursement or in lieu of service (ILOS).
Doulas should not be used or exploited as a solution or bandage to the biased health care system.
Mental health care must be prioritized for BIPOC doulas who are continuously traumatized while attending births along with managing complicated personal lives due to the sacrifice of being on call and carrying the burden of the system.
Doulas belong to the community not the state. States should not limit the type of trainings that doulas can take and certify with.
It is important to emphasize the care components of the profession using terms such as Birth Companion, Family Support, etc… over the colonialist term Doula.