News Summary
South Carolina has honored a new class of five certified doulas who completed their Full-Spectrum Holistic Doula Certification Program. Equipped to offer crucial support during the perinatal journey, these doulas join the Energy Evolution Doula Collective, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes across various communities. With a high maternal mortality rate in the state, the presence of doulas has proven to enhance childbirth experiences and provide essential assistance, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This celebration emphasizes the importance of support for families during childbirth.
South Carolina Celebrates New Class of Certified Doulas Amid Maternal Health Crisis
South Carolina recently honored a new class of five certified doulas who completed their Full-Spectrum Holistic Doula Certification Program on June 8. The graduates, Deja Brodus, Deidra Coaxum, Sidney Johnson, Latichia Muldrow, and Willie Walker, are equipped to provide essential support to families throughout their perinatal journey, including before, during, and after birth.
These newly certified doulas join the Energy Evolution Doula Collective, extending their services across Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and the surrounding counties. Doulas play a significant role by offering physical, emotional, and informational support during childbirth, enhancing medical care by focusing on the family’s experience.
Addressing Maternal Health Challenges
South Carolina faces a troubling maternal health landscape, with a maternal mortality rate of 47 per 100,000 live births, ranking it eighth in the United States. The state also has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation at 6.3 per 1,000 live births, significantly above the national average. Research has shown that the presence of doulas can lead to improved health outcomes, including a 47% reduction in cesarean rates, increased initiation of breastfeeding, and decreased risks of preterm births and low birth weights. Doulas contribute to increased parental confidence in decision-making, which can enhance overall satisfaction with the birthing experience.
Improving Access to Doula Care
The support of doulas is especially vital in rural and underserved communities, where they help mitigate preventable complications and improve birth satisfaction. A bipartisan bill filed in South Carolina aims to require Medicaid and private insurers to cover doula care costs, led by Representative Kambrell Garvin. This initiative seeks to strengthen maternal health outcomes, particularly benefiting women in rural areas.
Programs Supporting Maternal Health Disparities
In addition to new doulas, South Carolina has initiated programs aimed at addressing maternal health disparities. The Black Doula Program at Prisma Health focuses specifically on supporting Black women, who face higher risks in maternal health. This program provides grants up to $1,000 for Black mothers to cover doula services during labor, delivery, and postpartum periods. Since its pilot launch in 2023, this program has supported over 100 mothers with funding totaling $325,000 from TD Bank.
Studies indicate that doula support leads to shorter labor times, fewer complications, and better breastfeeding success rates. The collaborative approach taken by doulas ensures individualized care tailored to the unique needs of each family, as they work alongside midwives, OBs, and pediatricians as necessary. Doulas also conduct home visits to accommodate the dynamics of each family, providing a comprehensive emotional support system alongside medical care during the birthing process.
Conclusion
The growing recognition of the importance of doulas in improving maternal health outcomes underscores a critical demand for support in communities across South Carolina. As the state continues to combat maternal health disparities, these certified doulas play a crucial role in ensuring that every expectant mother receives the compassionate and qualified care she deserves.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Bill for Doula Care Coverage
- Wikipedia: Doula
- Your Island News: Energy Evolution Celebrates Doula Graduates
- Google Search: Doula Care Maternal Health Outcomes
- WYFF4: Prisma Black Doula Program
- Google Scholar: Doula Impact on Birth Outcomes
- Greenville Online: Program for Black Mothers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doula
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
