INTEGRATING MATERNITY CARE TEAMS
In September 2025, CHEER received funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to develop a hospital-based model that brings doulas into maternity care teams across Mississippi. This new effort builds on the success of our Mississippi CHAMPS (Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices) program, which has strengthened maternal and infant health statewide since 2014.
PROJECT AIMS
Conduct statewide assessments of both doula care and hospital readiness to integrate doulas into maternity teams
Enroll pilot hospitals to implement sustainable doula integration policies and protocols, and provide training for hospital teams
Provide training for doulas on breastfeeding and evidence-based maternity care practices
Collect breastfeeding and maternity care data to measure impact and demonstrate the value of doula integration
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RESOURCES
Doula Care and Maternal Health: An Evidence Review
Knocke, K., Chappel, A., Sugar, S., De Lew, N., & Sommers, B. D. (2022, December). Doula care and maternal health: An evidence review (Issue Brief No. HP-2022-24). Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Role of Doulas Across the Pregnancy Care Continuum on Maternal and Child Health: A Scoping Review
Chaudhary, P., Rech, J. P., Kumar, G., et al. (2025). Role of doulas across the pregnancy care continuum on maternal and child health: A scoping review. NPJ Women’s Health, 3, 63. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44294-025-00109-4
Role of Doulas in Improving Maternal Health and Health Equity Among Medicaid Enrollees, 2014‒2023
Falconi, A. M., Ramirez, L., Cobb, R., Levin, C., Nguyen, M., & Inglis, T. (2024). Role of doulas in improving maternal health and health equity among Medicaid enrollees, 2014–2023. American Journal of Public Health, 114(8), 1275–1285. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307805
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review
Sobczak, A., Taylor, L., Solomon, S., Ho, J., Kemper, S., Phillips, B., Jacobson, K., Castellano, C., Ring, A., Castellano, B., & Jacobs, R. J. (2023). The effect of doulas on maternal and birth outcomes: A scoping review. Cureus, 15(5), e39451. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39451
(Erratum published 2025, September 23, in Cureus, 17(9), c310. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.c310)
Strategies for Promoting Doula Inclusivity in the Labor and Delivery Setting
Perkins, H. D., & Isaacs, C. (2025). Strategies for Promoting Doula Inclusivity in the Labor and Delivery Setting. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 29(3), 287–293. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-025-04051-4
Integrating Doulas in the Hospital Setting: A Guide for Clinicians
TeamBirth: Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women’s Hospital & collaborators (2025).
Hospital Doula Friendliness Guidebook
New York City Department of Health (2024).
Doula Landscape Analysis and Implementation Plan
Connecticut Department of Public Health, Health Equity Solutions, & Primary Maternity Health Care (2024).
Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative & Missouri Hospital Association (2024).
National Partnership for Women and Families (2022).
Expanding Doula Support Services in Massachusetts: Considerations for Successful Implementation
The Betsy Lehman Center (2022).
Doula Medicaid Project Resource Library
The National Health Law Program (NHeLP)’s Doula Medicaid Project seeks to improve health outcomes and address inequities in maternal health by ensuring that all pregnant, postpartum, and post-pregnancy people who want access to a doula can have one.
Their Resource Library collects publications, articles, and other resources from across the country pertaining to expanding access to doula care. You can filter the resources by organization, region (i.e. national, state, or territory), and topic. You can also utilize the built-in search function for keywords or phrases.
DONA International
DONA International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the role of doulas through high-quality education, certification, and advocacy. Founded in 1992, it is the world’s first and largest doula certifying organization, with over 14,000 certified doulas across more than 50 countries.
DONA International works to professionalize doula care and promote its evidence-based benefits, with the goal of ensuring that all individuals who want doula support can access it. Through its education programs and global network, the organization is helping shape a future where doulas are an integral part of every birthing experience.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
With a three-year, $750,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, CHEER is partnering with community doulas, hospitals, and leaders in maternal-child health equity, including Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), to develop a community-informed model for doula integration.
This work focuses on racial equity, collaboration, and systems change. It also aims to make a strong case for Medicaid and private insurance coverage of doula care.
Research shows doulas improve breastfeeding rates, reduce cesarean births and pain medication use, enhance respectful care, and reduce racial disparities in maternal health. Yet doulas are underutilized in Mississippi hospitals, and Medicaid in the state does not reimburse for doula services. Nationwide, progress is growing. As of October 2025, 46 states and Washington, D.C. have taken steps toward Medicaid coverage for doula care, and 24 are actively reimbursing, with Vermont, Arkansas, Utah, Louisiana, and Montana passing laws in 2025 to expand access.
Over the grant period, CHAMPS will conduct statewide assessments of both doula care and hospital readiness to integrate doulas into maternity teams; enroll pilot hospitals to implement sustainable doula integration policies and protocols; provide training for doulas on breastfeeding and evidence-based maternity care practices; and collect breastfeeding and maternity care data to measure impact and demonstrate the value of doula integration.
We will also continue supporting 26 Mississippi CHAMPS hospitals as they maintain Baby-Friendly designation and uphold the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
