CVDoulas’ Impact on Cesarean Sections
As we approach Giving Tuesday and the end of 2024, we want to highlight the extraordinary stories of strength and resilience supported by our trained CVDoulas, showcasing their vital role in combating disparities in birth outcomes. These stories illustrate how CVDoulas empower birthing people, especially Black and Brown families, in the face of challenges like unnecessary cesarean sections.
C.C.’s Journey with Tea at Mount Sinai Hospital
When C.C. began labor early one August morning, her CVDoula, Tea, stood ready to guide her through the process. The day was filled with determination and courage as C.C. faced fluctuating heart rates and a shift from her planned vaginal delivery to an emergency C-section. With Tea’s calming presence and continuous advocacy, C.C. navigated these challenges, ultimately delivering a healthy baby and proving her strength in every moment. Tea’s unwavering support was a testament to the power of CVDoula care, providing C.C. with confidence and clarity in critical moments.
R.H.’s Transition with Shamara from Serenity Birthing Center to Hinsdale Hospital
R.H.’s birth story began in a serene and supportive birthing center. However, her labor took a challenging turn when her blood pressure spiked, and her baby showed signs of distress. Shamara stepped in, advocating for an urgent hospital transfer. At Hinsdale Hospital, Shamara maintained her role as a steady advocate, bridging gaps in communication with medical staff and preparing R.H. for her unexpected c-section. Her presence provided much-needed reassurance for both R.H. and her partner, ensuring they felt empowered during a stressful transition.
J.H.’s C-Section Experience with Finess at Northwestern Hospital
When J.H.’s baby was discovered to be in a breech position during labor, she faced an unexpected c-section without a support system in place. After making the connection with CVD, Finess became J.H.’s advocate, staying by her side as she underwent surgery. J.H. described the experience, saying, “If it weren’t for my Doula, I wouldn’t have had someone there to ensure that both my child and I were properly taken care of. Providing these services to everyone is a blessing.” Finess’s presence ensured J.H. felt safe and seen during this vulnerable moment.
The Bigger Picture: The State of C-Sections in Black and Brown Communities
In the U.S., nearly 30% of births are via cesarean section, double the rate deemed appropriate by the World Health Organization.
Black women are 25% more likely than white women to undergo c-sections, often without medical necessity.
Studies show that these unnecessary C-sections are linked to financial incentives and implicit racial biases in medical decision-making.
Cesarean deliveries, while sometimes lifesaving, can lead to complications like longer recovery times, difficulty breastfeeding, and even postpartum depression. Doulas like Tea, Shamara, and Finess provide crucial advocacy, ensuring that birthing people are empowered to make informed decisions, preventing unnecessary interventions, and improving outcomes.
Call to Action: Help Us Make an Impact
Your donations directly fund CVDoula training and support programs, helping us place more advocates in birthing rooms where they are needed most. Together, we can address disparities and ensure that every birthing person has a trusted and trained companion by their side.
Donate today to empower life in 2025 and beyond. Your support creates global reach and local impact, one birth at a time.
Give Today! - Choose a team, and make an impact! bit.ly/fund4equity
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