Michigan's Shocking Doula Triumph: What Experts Say Will Change Maternal Health Forever!

Michigan is taking significant steps toward enhancing maternal health by expanding access to doulas through its federally funded Medicaid program. This initiative aims to improve birth outcomes and strengthen maternal care, particularly for underserved populations. As of now, Michigan has successfully registered over 1,000 doulas, significantly exceeding the state’s goal of 500 registered doulas by 2028, as set forth in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Advancing Healthy Births Plan.

The plan focuses on eliminating health disparities and improving access to doula services, including the establishment of a statewide doula registry. This registry will facilitate connections between expectant mothers and doulas in their area. Erika Millender, a doula and member of the Michigan Doula Advisory Council, emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “We wanted to make sure that people who needed doulas feel safe with the doulas that they found and that they felt represented within their doula community.” Millender added, “There’s a doula for everyone but not every doula is for every person.”

Of the approximately 1,000 doulas in Michigan, over 700 are enrolled as Medicaid providers, ensuring that every county in the state has access to at least one doula who serves Medicaid-eligible families. This increased access follows the state’s decision to cover doula services through Medicaid, which began in 2023. The coverage enhancements include 12 pregnancy-related visits, a $1,500 reimbursement rate for labor and delivery support, and $100 for each visit.

Recent years have shown a growing interest in midwifery and doula services among women, particularly due to the health disparities often associated with hospital births. Research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that having a doula can lead to a 47% reduction in the likelihood of cesarean deliveries and a 29% lower chance of preterm births. Millender noted, “Doulas are absolutely vital to improving birth outcomes. We provide emotional, educational, and physical support, but we also advocate for families, making sure their voices are heard and their choices are respected.”

The issue of maternal health is particularly acute for Black women, who face a pregnancy-related death rate more than three times higher than that of white women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, often linked to social factors such as income, access to quality care, and the ability to manage health conditions. Millender pointed out, “When we intentionally focus on improving outcomes of Black and Indigenous families who have disproportionately higher rates of perinatal mortality and morbidity, we create a wave of safety and dignity that genuinely improves the experience for everyone.”

State health leaders believe that expanding doula care may help lower Michigan's infant mortality rate, which currently stands at 6.1 deaths per 1,000 live births—still above the national average of 5.5. Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, remarked, “Michigan's investment in doulas is transforming maternal health outcomes across the state. When families have access to trusted birth support, we see healthier parents, healthier babies, and stronger communities.”

This initiative not only aims to enhance individual birth experiences but also to transform the landscape of maternal care in Michigan, addressing longstanding disparities and laying the groundwork for healthier generations to come.