April 9, 2024

The crisis in Black maternal health, doula Robin Price told the Forum this morning, is not in the lack of access to medical facilities. Or in lack of money.

Of the 2018-19 deaths among N.C. women during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, she said, a state report judged 85% of the deaths as preventable. The most common contributing factor, Price said – and one present in more than two-thirds of those deaths – was discrimination.

Discrimination in whether Black women are listened to. In what levels of support they are offered during the period. In what choices they are offered.

Price outlined for Forum participants the non-medical role doulas fill, focusing on listening to and supporting the woman and other family members, during all phases of the process. As due dates near, Price says she is on call 24/7, and has not missed a single birth. She also mentioned that in the post-delivery phase as hospital support is withdrawn, she has been known to be washing dishes at the new mother’s home.

Those interested in what doula services cost will find some material during the Q&A session with Price, but should understand that rates vary by doula and by the services sought. In the same way, experiences with reimbursement for doula services by health insurers will vary.