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The topic of this capstone project is the impact of doula support on maternal and infant mortality in the African American community. In 2019 the World Health Organization reported that women die every 12 hours somewhere in the world due to complications from pregnancy (Hoyert,2019). The maternal-infant mortality rate is worst in the United States than in any other developed country (Martin and Monatgne 2017). In another study of the literature by the March of Dimes, conducted between 2014 and 2019, the preterm birth rate steadily rises and now stands at 10.2 percent (Healthy Moms, 2020). However, the deaths are not equally distributed by race; it remains that childbirth is more fatal for African American women, who are dying at a rate of 2.5 times higher than Caucasian women ((Hoyert L., 2021)).

    In a case study published in 2015, it is argued that the use of doulas, nonclinical support paraprofessionals, who provide physical, informational, and emotional support has been shown to have positive results on birth-specific and postpartum-specific outcomes. Doula services are associated with decreased cesarean rates, higher Apgar scores, shorter labor, and increased breastfeeding initiation and retention. (Cattelona et al., 2015). Although almost anyone can give one-on-one, doulas gave more culturally sensitive care, remained at the patient’s side longer, and used talk touch therapy more successfully. (Stuebe 2020). A statement from the American College of Gynecologists(ACOG) agrees and states that one-on-one emotional support provided by persons such as doulas can improve the outcome of pregnancy. (Bryant 2019). Despite the fact, Cattelona and ACOG studied the impact of doulas on birth outcomes. However, they did not consider high-risk personnel such as African American women.

    This topic is related to human service and leadership because it addresses a marginalized community and the inequalities that result from it (Brown Speights 2017). African American women are 13% of the population yet make up almost 40% of maternal and infant mortality in the United States, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO,2017). The topic is further related because when patterns of discrimination are discovered, a light can be shined on it, and it can get proper attention towards equalization.