Stories Unite Us
When we open the floodgates of the stories that our lived experiences have informed, we build bridges to a wider community and create a space for action. Stories help us feel less alone and can energize a movement.
The Story of Doulas and Perinatal Care
Dr. Aaron Caughey
The impact is undeniable—our study concluded that ubiquitous doula care could reduce cesarean births and even maternal deaths in current and future pregnancies. The cost savings and quality of life improvements were significant, with potential savings of up to $1,360 per doula.
Jesse Remer, Doula
Doulas improve health outcomes, reduce maternity care costs, and support public health. But for this model to be viable, we must take action
Alyson Day, Doula
Our maternal health outcomes and rates of infant loss are among the highest of any developed country. Unfortunately, Black women are impacted at greater rates and so are our babies.
Black birthing people and the disparity of care
For Black women, increasing education and income does not lower their risk—it actually increases it, due to the cumulative impact of systemic racism, also known as “weathering,” which prematurely ages the body and worsens birth outcomes.
In 2021, the Black infant mortality rate was 2.2 times the state rate, and preterm birth rates were highest in Jackson, Lane, and Multnomah Counties, with increases in Lane, Marion, and Washington Counties.
Black infants are twice as likely to die before their first birthday as white infants. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, regardless of income or education level.
In Oregon, 53% of pregnancy-related deaths from 2018-2020 were preventable, with 41% involving substance use disorders.