in the u.s.
Black birthing people have a 53% higher risk of dying in a hospital during childbirth, regardless of income level, insurance type, or any social driver of health.
This is driven by structural racism, bias, uneven quality of care, and underlying health conditions.
Black women have expressed a desire for concordant care providers, yet 11% of OB-GYNs and 6.7% of midwives are Black.
~ Center for Disease Control & Prevention 2023
~ Source: Black Women’s Maternal Health
However…
84% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
And when patients share the same race as their provider, mortality rates for Black newborns are reduced by 58%
Doulas are one piece of ensuring culturally-centered care provided by diverse care teams.
~ Source: Black Women’s Maternal Health
Accompany Doula Care exists to close the gap between the birth that someone has and the birth that they deserve.
Who we are
An independent Massachusetts-based 501c3 organization that was founded by and is currently led by birth doulas. We focus on centering the birthing person’s voice in their needs and desires for culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically tailored support. We intentionally work within the healthcare system, where most families receive their care, in order to advocate for the needs of families and our community workforce. Our work aims to eliminate health inequities while achieving Berwick’s Triple Aim, which seeks to:
Improve health outcomes of the patient population.
Reduce the per capita cost of health care.
Improve the patient experience and satisfaction.
“To address the racism, ableism, and other structural inequities that undermine Black birthing people’s health, delivering respectful, whole-person care should be a North Star, especially during the vulnerable time of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.”
(Source: Black Maternal Health)
What is a doula?
A certified professional, who provides non-medical physical, emotional and educational support to a birthing parent throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum helping achieve the best possible birth experience.
~ Definition adapted from DONA International & Postpartum Support International
