New Report Details Critical Doula and Perinatal Findings from National Learning Series
The Institute for Medicaid Innovation (IMI) and Every Mother Counts (EMC) have partnered to release a report detailing the findings from a recent, nationwide learning series focusing on doulas and perinatal community health workers (CHWs).
The report, developed with support from the Community Health Acceleration Partnership (CHAP), aims to support the creation and strengthening of pathways for Medicaid agencies and health plans, provider groups, and professional associations to expand access to quality, respectful, and equitable maternity care.
The report was developed using lessons from an eight-month national learning series hosted by IMI and EMC featuring over one thousand registrants from across the nation. The series convened national experts in all aspects of doula and perinatal community health worker care.
Research shows that community-based perinatal support services provided by doulas and perinatal CHWs constitute a high-value health care practice. These models of care improve perinatal health outcomes, as evidenced by increased breastfeeding initiation and continuation, decreased cesarean sections, and improved satisfaction with one’s birth experience, while also being cost-effective.
About the Institute for Medicaid Innovation
The Institute for Medicaid Innovation (IMI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan research, policy, and community power building organization that provides independent, nonpartisan information and analysis to inform Medicaid policy and improve the health of the nation.
About Every Mother Counts
Since 2010, Every Mother Counts has sought to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, respectful, and equitable for everyone, everywhere. Motivated by the belief that maternal health is a human right, we advance evidence-based strategies to address the global maternal health crisis and improve maternal health outcomes and the experience of care for all by raising awareness, investing in community-led solutions, and advocating for critical systems change.
About the Community Health Acceleration Partnership
The Community Health Acceleration Partnership (CHAP) is a philanthropic organization that creates stronger community health systems through strategic collaboration and catalytic investments. CHAP believes that the people closest to the problems have the greatest insight into the solutions and supports policies and programs that sustain a Community-Based Workforce, with an emphasis on birth equity.