Protecting Maternal Health in the U.S.
The U.S. is often seen as a leader in medical innovation—but when it comes to maternal health, we’re falling behind.
According to the World Health Organization, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. Each year, an estimated 700 to 900 women die from pregnancy-related complications, and thousands more face life-threatening conditions during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum.
The Hard Truth: Disparities in Maternal Outcomes
One of the most alarming aspects of the U.S. maternal health crisis is the racial disparity in outcomes.
🔴 Black women are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—even when income, education, and access to prenatal care are similar.
These tragic outcomes are often linked to:
- Implicit bias and systemic racism in healthcare
- Delayed responses to warning signs during labor and postpartum
- Dismissal of patient concerns, particularly among women of color
- Limited access to high-quality, culturally competent care
The Role of a Birth Advocate
This is where a birth advocate—such as a doula—can make a powerful difference.
A birth advocate is someone trained to support, inform, and empower birthing people throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They help ensure that your voice is heard and your preferences are respected, especially in hospital settings where policies and staff turnover can create communication gaps.
What a Birth Advocate Does:
✔️ Helps you prepare a birth plan that reflects your goals
✔️ Provides evidence-based information about interventions and options
✔️ Encourages informed consent and shared decision-making
✔️ Supports your emotional and physical needs during labor
✔️ Helps identify when you’re not being listened to—and speaks up on your behalf
Doulas and birth advocates don’t replace medical professionals. They complement your care team by bridging the gap between you and your provider, making sure your concerns are acknowledged and addressed.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Having a Doula or Birth Advocate
According to research from Cochrane Reviews and DONA International, continuous support during labor from a trained advocate can lead to:
- Shorter labors
- Lower rates of cesarean section
- Fewer requests for pain medication or epidurals
- Increased satisfaction with the birth experience
- Better outcomes for parents and babies
In high-stress or high-risk settings, the presence of a trusted birth support person can be the difference between being dismissed—and being cared for.
Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis Starts with Advocacy
To reduce the maternal mortality rate in the U.S., we must do more than improve hospital policies—we need to center compassionate, respectful, and equitable care in every birth setting.
Hiring a birth advocate or doula is one of the most proactive steps you can take to protect your health and your baby’s well-being.
If you’re preparing for birth in New Hampshire, consider working with From The Heart Doula. I provide trauma-informed, culturally competent support to birthing families of all backgrounds—because every parent deserves to feel safe, heard, and empowered.
Ready to Learn More?
📍 Serving families across Manchester, Nashua, Concord & surrounding areas
🌐 www.fromtheheartdoula.net
📧 tiamiddleton.doula@gmail.com
From The Heart Doula 