RHHD Doula Services

RHHD Health Equity Fund

Doula support has been an important intervention method to provide connection and health education to pregnant mothers.   Existing literature has shown that:
●  22 percent lower odds of preterm birth (AOR 0.77 [95% CI0.61–0.96])
● 52·9% lower odds of c-section (95% CI:0·29–0.79) and 57·5% lower odds of postpartum depression and anxiety (95% CI:
0.22–0·82).
● a reduction in odds postpartum depression and anxiety, 64·7% (95% CI:
0·16–0.78).
●  in reducing maternal risk factors such as smoking and stress during pregnancyThe Black community in Richmond is unfortunately disproportionately affected by high infant mortality rates.  National trends are similar in that:● Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women.● Black women are more likely to experience preventable maternal death compared with white women, with a risk that spans income and education levels.
● Black women are more likely to experience complications including fibroids and preeclampsia throughout the course of their pregnancies than white women.
● Black women have a difficult time accessing the reproductive health care that meets their needs
● Black women are at a higher risk for preeclampsia, hypertensive disorders, preterm births and infant deaths

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