Report: The State of Doula Care in NYC 2021

One promising strategy for improving birth outcomes is the support of a doula. Doulas are individuals trained to provide non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support to childbearing people and their families. Doula care has been associated with lower rates of Cesarean birth, preterm birth, low birthweight, and postpartum depression, as well as with increased rates of breastfeeding and greater patient satisfaction with maternity care.