Maternal and neonatal care in the US needs improvement. In the last two decades, there’s been a 50 percent increase in severe maternal complications. And close to half of all US counties are without a obstetrician-gynecologist. It gets even worse in rural areas. And one study is suggesting a solution to the dire situation in the US: more midwives. They could potentially reduce maternal and infant mortality rate.
When you get pregnant, there are so many things to consider, including who you want to help you throughout pregnancy and at birth. Of course, you have the OBGYN and maybe a midwife, but a birth doula is another wonderful assistant for new moms. But what is a doula?