Title: A resolution recognizing the work and contributions of doulas towards improving pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes.
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution designates May 9-May 15, 2021, as Doula Week and recognizes the role of doulas in providing maternal health services.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 209 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 209

  Recognizing the work and contributions of doulas towards improving 
               pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 12, 2021

   Mr. Durbin (for himself and Ms. Collins) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing the work and contributions of doulas towards improving 
               pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes.

Whereas doulas can play an important role in--

    (1) maternal care; and

    (2) addressing maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States;

Whereas doula support includes continuous non-clinical 1-on-1 emotional, 
        physical, and informational support around the time of birth, including 
        during pregnancy and postpartum;
Whereas doulas empower mothers with information about pregnancy and childbirth;
Whereas studies have shown that doula-assisted mothers are 4 times less likely 
        to have a low birth weight baby, and 2 times less likely to experience 
        complications during pregnancy;
Whereas research indicates that, with the support of doulas, women are--

    (1) more likely to have vaginal births; and

    (2) less likely to require epidural anesthesia;

Whereas, in 2013, the Expert Panel on Improving Maternal and Infant Health 
        Outcomes in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program of the 
        Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services identified providing coverage 
        for continuous doula support during labor as a potential strategy to 
        enhance maternal and infant care management;
Whereas the presence of a doula during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum 
        helps foster shared decision-making for birthing women by facilitating 
        communication between women and their providers;
Whereas a doula provides continuous support during labor and delivery and can 
        alert hospital staff to signs and symptoms of complications that require 
        immediate medical attention, thus lowering the risk of escalating 
        complications for the mother and baby;
Whereas access to doula support services, especially in underserved communities, 
        may contribute to--

    (1) improved birth outcomes, both physically and emotionally; and

    (2) lower health care costs by reducing the risk of--

    G    (A) low birth weight babies;

    G    (B) complications that might otherwise go unnoticed;

    G    (C) low-risk cesarean deliveries; and

    G    (D) epidural anesthesia;

Whereas training members of underserved communities to become doulas and support 
        mothers in their own communities can--

    (1) help provide employment opportunities for improving maternal 
health; and

    (2) build trust and reduce adverse consequences of racial bias for 
pregnant and postpartum women of color; and

Whereas community-based maternal health care models, including doula support 
        services, in collaboration with obstetrical care, show great promise in 
        improving, and reducing disparities in, maternal health outcomes: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the important role of doulas in providing 
        respectful, responsive care to all women, including women in 
        underserved communities who lack access to maternal health 
        services;
            (2) acknowledges that doula support services provide 
        continuous physical and emotional support to help mothers 
        achieve healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries and recoveries;
            (3) urges greater recognition for the important role that 
        doulas play in--
                    (A) supporting improved pregnancy, birth, and 
                postpartum outcomes, including maternal mental health;
                    (B) reducing health care costs and working towards 
                the elimination of health disparities; and
                    (C) overcoming barriers for assisting low-income 
                women of color and women in rural areas with access to 
                health and social supports;
            (4) designates the week beginning May 9, 2021, as ``Doula 
        Week'' to raise awareness for, and advocate for the benefits 
        of, doulas and the support services doulas provide; and
            (5) recognizes the importance of access to doula support 
        services, especially in underserved communities.
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