For Immediate Release:
8/21/2023 2:02 pm
As part of its work to improve local maternal and child health outcomes, the Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) is expanding its doula programming. Doulas can offer nurturing, support, and expert guidance for families during pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum.
In June, the WDPH Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program hosted a five-day DONA International-approved Birth Doula Training, as well as a one-day Introduction to Childbirth Education for Perinatal Health Workers class. DONA-approved trainer Lorenza Holt, who has more than 25 years of experience, led both programs. Attendees were equipped with the necessary skills and training to seek employment as doulas.
“I see myself coming alongside of refugees and immigrants in Worcester to support, care and advocate for them in their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum,” said one training participant. “Through my work as a doula, I seek to decrease trauma, increase positive outcomes, and most of all to let them know that they are cared for and not alone.”
The WDPH REACH team’s doula trainings are one component of its breastfeeding strategy to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. WDPH REACH has partnered with Worcester Healthy Baby Collaborative, Accompany Doula Care, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Family Health Center of Worcester, and Worcester Together For Kids Coalition to address health inequities through breastfeeding and doula support. Although WDPH REACH programming is based in Worcester due to grant requirements, its doula trainings are open to anyone eligible, regardless of residency.
Concurrently, WDPH’s new maternal and child health team is facilitating the creation of the Central Massachusetts Doula Coalition, which will inform Worcester County doulas about new resources within the community. The Coalition will invite various stakeholders to meet local doulas and learn more about their work to increase positive outcomes in maternal health. This Coalition will also advocate, support, and educate the community on why doulas are a positive influence to improve health outcomes.
There is a mounting body of evidence that shows how birth doulas can improve health outcomes. According to a 2017 Cochrane Database Systematic Review, “Continuous support in labor may improve a number of outcomes for both [the birthing person] and baby, and no adverse outcomes have been identified. Continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the [person’s] own network, is experienced in providing labor support, and has at least a modest amount of training (such as a doula), appears beneficial.”
As highlighted by DONA International (formerly Doulas of North America), key services that doulas can provide include:
