Why is Perinatal Care important?
The United States (U.S) maternal mortality rate exceeds that of other high-income countries, despite spending two and half times more per person on healthcare. In the U.S, the maternal mortality rate is three times higher for Black birthing people than white (Artiga et al. 2022).
There is a need for more community support in America. When talking about postpartum parents Neel Shah of Harvard School of Medicine said, “They struggle with rapidly accelerated responsibilities, extreme sleep deprivation, and relentless pressure to return to work” (Shah 2018). The majority of maternal mortality happens outside of the time when the birthing person is in labor. It is important to check in on families and make sure they are adequately supported in order to avoid preventable maternal deaths. Adequate postpartum care also extends to proper education for new parents on normal infant behavior. Preparing parents on what to expect reduces stress over the baby’s behavior (National Academies of Sciences et al. 2016).
Doula care has been proven to reduce maternal mortality and improve birth and postpartum outcomes for families. We have so much work to do in order to reduce the health disparities and bad birth and postpartum outcomes in America, but right now one of the best preventative investments a family can make is investing in good perinatal care! That extends beyond your choice of an OBGYN or midwife into your choice of additional perinatal care team members...a doula!
There is a need for more community support in America. When talking about postpartum parents Neel Shah of Harvard School of Medicine said, “They struggle with rapidly accelerated responsibilities, extreme sleep deprivation, and relentless pressure to return to work” (Shah 2018). The majority of maternal mortality happens outside of the time when the birthing person is in labor. It is important to check in on families and make sure they are adequately supported in order to avoid preventable maternal deaths. Adequate postpartum care also extends to proper education for new parents on normal infant behavior. Preparing parents on what to expect reduces stress over the baby’s behavior (National Academies of Sciences et al. 2016).
Doula care has been proven to reduce maternal mortality and improve birth and postpartum outcomes for families. We have so much work to do in order to reduce the health disparities and bad birth and postpartum outcomes in America, but right now one of the best preventative investments a family can make is investing in good perinatal care! That extends beyond your choice of an OBGYN or midwife into your choice of additional perinatal care team members...a doula!
What is doula care?
Doula care is a comprehensive form of non-medical support designed to guide individuals and families through the significant transitions of reproductive health. A doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational assistance throughout the full spectrum of experiences, including fertility, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, as well as more difficult transitions such as pregnancy loss or bereavement.
At its core, doula care is about providing the resources and hands-on support that are often missing in traditional healthcare models. This includes offering physical comfort during labor, providing evidence-based education to help families make informed choices, and delivering practical assistance during the postpartum adjustment. Because every pregnancy and family dynamic is unique, this care is inherently flexible and tailored to meet the specific emotional and physical needs of each individual.
In addition to individual support, modern doula care is deeply rooted in advocacy and inclusive practices. A doula acts as a steady presence, helping families navigate complex systems with confidence. By centering the midwifery model of care and prioritizing a trauma informed approach, doulas work to improve health outcomes and ensure that every person feels heard, supported, and respected throughout their unique reproductive journey.
At its core, doula care is about providing the resources and hands-on support that are often missing in traditional healthcare models. This includes offering physical comfort during labor, providing evidence-based education to help families make informed choices, and delivering practical assistance during the postpartum adjustment. Because every pregnancy and family dynamic is unique, this care is inherently flexible and tailored to meet the specific emotional and physical needs of each individual.
In addition to individual support, modern doula care is deeply rooted in advocacy and inclusive practices. A doula acts as a steady presence, helping families navigate complex systems with confidence. By centering the midwifery model of care and prioritizing a trauma informed approach, doulas work to improve health outcomes and ensure that every person feels heard, supported, and respected throughout their unique reproductive journey.
Research on Doula Care from Commonwealth Fund:
"Evidence of Effectiveness: Doulas can improve perinatal and postpartum outcomes while being cost-effective, particularly for those facing inequities in birth outcomes. For example, those at high risk for adverse birth outcomes receiving care from doulas, compared with those not receiving care from doulas, are:
(Zephyrin et al. 2021).
- Two times less likely to experience a birth complication
- Four times less likely to have a low birthweight baby
- More likely to breastfeed
- More likely to be satisfied with their care.
(Zephyrin et al. 2021).
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders:
PMADs are a big reason for investing in perinatal care. I am a PMH-C through Postpartum Support International and have taken many other PMAD trainings focused on various screening and referral systems and support for families. I am confident and experienced in caring for families where mental health support is a priority area.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders have been identified in women of every culture, age, income level and ethnicity. We use the term “Perinatal” for the period of pregnancy and the first year after a baby is born. Research shows that Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders can appear during pregnancy or days or even months after childbirth, and does not usually resolve without treatment (Woolhouse H. et al. BJOG 2014). Although the term “Postpartum Depression” is often used, there is actually a spectrum of disorders that can affect mothers during pregnancy and postpartum.
Without appropriate intervention, poor maternal mental health can have long term and adverse implications for birthing people, child and family. A parent's mood and anxiety symptoms have a direct impact on their partner as well. Their partner may feel overwhelmed, confused, angry, and afraid the birthing parent will never be well. This may place a strain on the couple’s relationship. About 10% of new dads have depression, mood or anxiety problems, as well (Paulson & Bazemore, JAMA 2010).
**The above research is from Postpartum Support International's PMAD Fact Sheet
Without appropriate intervention, poor maternal mental health can have long term and adverse implications for birthing people, child and family. A parent's mood and anxiety symptoms have a direct impact on their partner as well. Their partner may feel overwhelmed, confused, angry, and afraid the birthing parent will never be well. This may place a strain on the couple’s relationship. About 10% of new dads have depression, mood or anxiety problems, as well (Paulson & Bazemore, JAMA 2010).
**The above research is from Postpartum Support International's PMAD Fact Sheet