OUTCOMES OF OUR COMMUNITY DOULA PROGRAM
Through the implementation of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, the conducted research yielded results determining that HMHBA doulas played a pivotal role in reducing perinatal health inequities and disparities, lowering cesarean sections and increasing vaginal births”.
OUR IMPACT
The in-depth analysis of HMHBA’s Community Doula Program aimed to assess the efficacy of the program in carrying out optimal health outcomes for the mothers and infants under its care from 2022 to 2023. Through the use of qualitative and quantitative analyses, the research found that HMHBA doulas played a pivotal role in reducing perinatal health inequities and disparities, lowering cesarean sections and increasing vaginal births.HMHBA’s Vaginal birth rate was 68% in 2022, and the cesarean rate was 28% (10% lower than the overall rate of cesarean in LA County of 37.7%). HMHBA’s VBAC rate was 4%, which is three times higher than most public health jurisdictions in California (HMHBA Program Evaluation, Garcia-Meza & Hanna, 2023).
HMHBA Program Evaluation (Garcia-Meza & Hanna, 2023).
Having a doula made all the difference. She understood my cultural needs and supported me through every step. I felt safe, heard, and empowered.”
– Client Testimonial
Compared to overall California rates in 2012-2014, Black women have the highest rates of cesarean section, as they do nationally. In California, the rate is 37.7% for Blacks compared to 32.4% for Whites, and 33.1% overall in the state. The US overall rate is 32.6%, and for Black women it is 35.5% and 32% for White women from 2012-2014. (National Center for Health Statistics, 2017). HMHBA’s 2019-2021 Program Evaluation revealed that the Vaginal Birth Rate among program participants was 75% compared to the Los Angeles County rate of vaginal births at 62% for Black women.
HMHBA Program Evaluation (Roger & Hanna, 2021).
The cesarean section rate by Los Angeles Service Planning Area (SPA) is 37% in SPA compared to 34.8 in Metro LA (SPA 4), which is the lowest in the county and 38.3% in the San Fernando Valley, which is 2nd highest. The highest in the county is 39% in San Gabriel Valley (California Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, OHIR Vital Statistics Section, 2003-2012).
HMHBA has been successful in reducing premature births (5.8%), maternal deaths (0%), and low birth weight (5.88%), increasing exclusive breastfeeding initiation (64.7%), and identifying mothers who have perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (23.5%), making referrals when needed (HMHBA Program Evaluation, Garcia-Meza & Hanna, 2023)
HMHBA Program Evaluation (Roger & Hanna, 2021).
She helped me with every aspect of recovery, made lactation cookies and soup, hung out with my little ones while I slept, gave helpful advice for giving birth and also recovery. Provided a session of gentle yoga when I was stiff, gave me a foot bath with herbs. She was very supportive.”
– Client Testimonial
Community Doula Supporting Mother In Labor
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Doula Program Director
Cordelia Hanna, MPH at (626) 388-2191 ext. 1