In an effort to reduce Black maternal and infant mortality rates, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday, Feb. 7 to expand doula care in the county by creating a hub of supportive birthing and prenatal services for pregnant women of color.
Doulas are non-obstetric trained professionals who work with pregnant and birthing mothers before, during and after the delivery to provide emotional and physical support and guidance.
Studies show that doula care is effective in reducing the use of C-sections and medications during labor, and it promotes breastfeeding. Doula care also has been shown to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression.
“In Los Angeles (County) alone, the Black infant mortality rate is more than three times the rate of White infant mortality, and the Black maternal mortality rate is four times the rate of White maternal mortality,” according to the motion passed unanimously by the board.
Second District Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who authored the motion, said the higher death rates among Black birthing women and infants occur across socio-economic levels and are the result of systemic racial discrimination experienced by Black women in the healthcare system.
The board approved the motion to create a new hub of doula services to increase access to underserved women. The directors of the Department of Public Health and the Department of Health Services, along with the leadership in the county’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, & Inclusion Initiative, will draw up a proposal that includes cost estimates to the county and sources for state, federal and philanthropic funding.
The proposal is due in about two months.
In addition, the county will try to increase the size of its doula workforce by finding educational resources for doulas and doula trainees.
“I am very supportive of a hub of doula services. And of expanding the county doula workforce,” said Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
The action will coincide with a proposal enacted on Jan. 1, 2023 that requires Medi-Cal managed care plans to provide doula services for eligible pregnant and postpartum women.
Medi-Cal’s acceptance of doula services builds upon the Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative, launched in 2018 by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health and First 5 LA, along with community partners. The program offers no-cost doula care to Black pregnant people in Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley and South L.A.
Staff Writer Olga Grigoryants contributed to this article.
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