ALDA Updates from March of Dimes

Attention Alabama Doulas, please read direct updates below:

Recent Updates from Honour Hill at the March of Dimes, February 10, 2025

Thank you so much to those who gave feedback on March of Dimes’ doula resolution, which will aim to educate lawmakers about the impact and importance of doulas within the state.

We have taken the feedback and updated the language to reflect some of the input given, such as addition of advocacy language and removal of any confusing language around role within medical system.

March of Dimes Alabama would love further feedback on the updated language. We are aiming to have the resolution introduced before March 17th so that it can be acted upon at our advocacy day on March 19th. With that being said, we will need to get the language to a sponsor around the beginning of March at the latest.

We are asking for feedback by February 26th on the changes.

If you’re interested in where some of the language came from, you can visit the following webpages to see similar March of Dimes approved language that our local team must adhere to: March of Dimes Blog Post, March of Dimes Fact Sheet, and It Starts With Mom

Review Updated March of Dimes Doula Resolution Language Below

Alabama – Recognizing doulas as vital members of the child birth team

WHEREAS, a doula is a trained, non-clinical professional who provides physical, emotional, and educational support before, during, and after childbirth, often independently or as part of community-based collectives or agencies; and

WHEREAS, according to the Maternal Mortality Review and Prevention Committee's 2018 and 2019 report, ninety-three women, of whom thirty-seven were Black, died while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy in Alabama, and over 60 percent of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable; and

WHEREAS, according to that same report, Black women in Alabama are two times more likely to die from pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated complications than white women; and

WHEREAS, the most recent Fetal and Infant Mortality Review states that from 2009-2018, infants born to black and other women were twice as likely to die relative to those born to white women; and

WHEREAS, a doula can be a powerful liaison, connecting the mother to appropriate care providers and remaining a constant presence of support, even when the mother may have inconsistent providers; and

WHEREAS, a doula can help advocate for emotional and physical needs to medical staff; and

WHEREAS, increased access to doula care, especially in under-resourced communities, can improve a range of health outcomes for mothers and babies, lower healthcare costs, reduce c-sections (cesarean sections), decrease maternal anxiety and depression, and help improve communication between pregnant women and their health care providers; and

WHEREAS, the benefits of doula care can also have a financial impact in helping families and the State avoid the cost associated with low birthweight babies, cesarean births, and other pregnancy-related complications; and

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, that we recognize that doulas are vital childbirth team members and acknowledge their contribution in improving maternal and infant health.

Share Your Feedback Below

All feedback will be shared directly with Honour Hill at the March of Dimes per the details from her most recent email, shared above.