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Our Mission
To do our part in improving outcomes for birthing persons, who the current data shows are more likely to have traumatic birthing experiences and higher maternal mortality rates.
What is a Doula?
Imagine being a boxer... the trainer and coach would teach you about boxing and help you achieve your goals. Likewise, doulas are trainers and coaches for the birthing process.
A doula is a highly-qualified professional that teaches and supports a birthing person, and other members of their support system, throughout the perinatal period (and beyond).
Members of the Mid-Missouri Black Doula Collective (MMBDC) not only provide physical, emotional, and informational support, but they work to educate stakeholders and advocate for processes and policies that will positively impact expectant families.
Maternal Mortality
The current U.S. maternal mortality ratio, or rate, of 17.4 per 100,000 pregnancies represented approximately 660 maternal deaths in 2018. Among industrialized countries, America ranks last overall. The maternal death ratio for Black women (37.1 per 100,000 pregnancies) is 2.5 times that of white women and three times that of Hispanic women. More than half of recorded maternal death occurs after the day of birth.
A Black mother with a college education is at 60% greater risk for maternal death than a white or Hispanic woman with less than a high school education.
How Can Doulas Help?
Having a doula on your care team can create positive maternal and infant outcomes, including:
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Fewer negative birth experiences
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Increased possibility of a shorter labor time
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Lower preterm birth rates
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Higher rates of vaginal births, including VBAC's (vaginal birth after cesarean)
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Higher scores for a newborn’s overall well-being
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An increase in healthy birth weights
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Increased rates of breastfeeding
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A greater level of confidence and self-empowerment for the birthing person
