Unlocking doula care’s potential to drive maternal & child health equity
In New York, we brought local doulas together to achieve a significant milestone: securing Medicaid reimbursement for their services. But expanded coverage alone isn’t enough —
we need your support to keep going.
As the backbone organization of the New York Coalition for Doula Access (NYCDA), Health Leads led the effort to secure Medicaid coverage for doula care. But this is only the beginning of our work to improve maternal health in New York.
WHY DOULAS MATTER
Birthing people with doula care are 22% less likely to have a preterm birth, 53% less likely to deliver via C-section, and 58% less likely to experience postpartum depression and anxiety. But despite their invaluable contributions, doulas often face negative treatment, low wages, and other significant barriers to providing critical physical and emotional support.
OUR IMPACT
We convened doulas across New York to hear how they would overcome barriers and co-design a sustainable future for this critical care workforce. Together, we’re taking crucial steps to ensure doulas have the support they need, creating a future where every new and expecting parent receives the care they deserve. We started by securing Medicaid coverage, and are now focusing on creating consistent, high-quality doula care across all hospitals with the New York State Department of Health.
JOIN US
Health Leads is currently facing a $1M funding gap to continue our efforts to create supportive work environments that value and empower New York doulas. By donating today, you can help us expand access to community-based, trusted doulas and ultimately improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Together, we can ensure that every parent has a healthy, safe, dignified, and joyful birth experience. Thank you!
TAKE ACTION & SUPPORT OUR WORK
Latham Thomas, New York-based doula, author, educator, and NYCDA member
“It’s critical that doulas have a voice in the mapping of standards that will help to shape the profession and impact how we work and live. We’re thankful for the NYCDA leadership who work tirelessly to ensure that not only are doulas being heard, but that they’re integrated at every step along the way as we craft a new vision for the future.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK
We envision a world where every birthing person receives the care, respect, and support they need to have equally healthy and joyous birthing experiences. We believe doulas should have a powerful stake in redesigning the systems and policies that make this future possible.
To learn more about supporting this work, please contact Sylvia Koodrich, VP of Business Partnerships & Investor Relations, at skoodrich@healthleadsusa.org
To learn more about joining the New York Coalition for Doula Access, please reach out to nycda@healthleadsusa.org.
Image courtesy of NYC DOHMH