CentraCare & Everyday Miracles Team Up to Offer Doula Services, Enhancing Support for Pregnant Women of Color in St. Cloud

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud area medical provider offers extra support for pregnant women of color.

Everyday Miracles and CentraCare – Plaza Clinic Obstetrics & Women’s Health have teamed up to offer doula services. The helpers provide patients with emotional and physical assistance through delivery.

Doula services were developed when CentraCare’s birth health equity committee looked for ways to improve black women’s care while carrying a child. The maternity ward has hired seven doulas, two black, two who speak Spanish, and three who speak Somali.

According to a press release, studies show doulas can reduce labor time, lower anxiety, and improve post-birth mother-baby bonding. CentraCare says additional data showed that black women fared better when they had more support.

While doulas do not have medical training like midwives, they are taught the use of breathing exercises, prescription-free pain management, assistance with labor positioning, and advocacy during labor and the postpartum period, a vulnerable time for mothers.

For more information, call 320-251-2700, extension 51144.

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