In a move to address racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality, several Washington companies are now offering doula services as part of their health benefits packages. The initiative aims to support new parents, particularly among Black, Alaska Native, and American Indian communities, who experience higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths and are more likely to have babies with low birth weight.
Doulas, who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth, have become a critical element in the Pacific Northwest’s approach to maternal care. They are seen as a key resource in giving new parents more control over their birthing experience and in combating medical racism.
The inclusion of doula services in health benefits reflects a growing recognition of the role these professionals play in improving birth outcomes. By offering such support, companies are taking an active role in trying to level the playing field for underserved populations and in promoting healthier pregnancies and births across all racial and ethnic groups.
This development is part of a broader effort to reduce the long-standing health inequities that have plagued the U.S. healthcare system. It underscores the importance of culturally competent care and the need for systemic changes to ensure that all families, regardless of race or ethnicity, have access to the support they need for a safe and empowering childbirth experience.
See: “More Washington companies offer doula services in health benefits” by Megan Burbank on the Crosscut website (February 15, 2024)
