Doulas Increase Breastfeeding Success and Help Reduce Medical Interventions, including C-Sections

To celebrate World Doula Week, March 22-28, we honor the dedicated professional Doulas in our community.

Doulas are trained birth companions who provide support and education throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The goal of World Doula Week is to raise awareness about the benefits of doula support, which include reduced medical interventions (including C-sections), improved parental satisfaction with the birth experience, and increased breastfeeding initiation. 

Through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM), Black and African American pregnant people can receive Doula support at no cost at any stage of pregnancy. Since the program’s inception in 2019, over 1,530 clients have been enrolled. In 2024 alone, AAIMM doulas completed 1,324 combined prenatal and postpartum visits, attending 211 births. Additionally, 88 percent of clients who gave birth in 2024 and were surveyed reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the AAIMM Doula Program.  

“Doulas play a vital role in ensuring healthy, joyous births.” said Shanica Davis, AAIMM Doula Program Coordinator. "Our program aims to provide Black and African American families with the support they deserve, leading to reduced stress and healthier outcomes for both parents and babies."

Through the AAIMM Doula program, pregnant people receive three prenatal visits, continuous labor support, three postpartum visits and lactation support. AAIMM Doulas are all trained lactation educators, equipping families with prenatal lactation education and offering immediate breastfeeding support after delivery. Their expertise helps families build confidence and sustain breastfeeding, preserving the rich traditions of Black and African American communities.

Lorna Leverette, an AAIMM Doula, says: “Doulas walk families through the tough and confusing stuff, and let them know that everything they may be feeling is valid.” Lakeisha Solomon, another AAIMM Doula, says: “Every family has the right to feel and be safe, supported and heard throughout their pregnancy and birth experience.”

During World Doula Week, AAIMM recognizes the profound impact doulas have on maternal and infant health. By providing culturally responsive care and advocacy, doulas help reduce disparities in maternal mortality rates and foster positive birth experiences.

Learn more about the AAIMM Doula Program and sign up for doula care at Blackinfantsandfamilies.org/doula.