Generosity Helps to Improve Birth Outcomes at Hennepin Healthcare

The Problem

With childbirth being the number one reason for hospitalization in the United States, the need for an experienced and well-rounded care team is at an all-time high. Complications during pregnancy and delivery occur with the highest frequency among women of color and low-income. Established Doula Programs within hospitals have been proven to lower these risks for soon-to-be mothers.

What Is a Doula?

Often, a care team includes a doula. A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and education support to a mother who is expecting is experiencing labor or has recently given birth. The doula’s primary purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. Doula support can play a crucial role in mediating the social drivers of adverse birth outcomes, especially in women of color, by enhancing maternal agency, personal security, respect, knowledge, and connectedness.

The Impact

Doula care is associated with significant reductions in epidural use and cesarean delivery rates, shorter labors, and high maternal satisfaction. Thus, the integration of collaborative doula care into the Women’s Health and Wellness experience at Hennepin Healthcare will be a critical step toward better maternal outcomes, especially for mothers of color who are at the highest risk of adverse outcomes.