Published by | | | Months ago, Ashley Kidd-Tatge agreed to participate in an interview with me about her experiences as a birth doula in Minnesota, one of four states that mandate Medicaid coverage of doula services. Toward the end of our conversation, Kidd-Tatge said she hoped there would be "a new perspective on the essential nature of doulas" when the articles debuted. Her work is rooted in birth justice, she said, and few people know that a doula's role goes beyond coaching people through labor and delivery. These sentiments stuck with me as I interviewed dozens of doulas, parents, providers, researchers and policymakers for this series about the state of doula care. When you read these stories, I hope you walk away with a deeper understanding of what doula support looks like — and why it matters amid high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, systemic racism and a pandemic that is forcing us to face many of our societal shortcomings. Explore all four stories below. … | | | Behind the growing movement to include doulas under MedicaidLike many people, LaToya Morris and Brittney Poole couldn't afford to hire a doula while pregnant. But they happened to live in Minnesota, where doula services are considered a covered benefit under Medicaid. Learn more about why lawmakers nationwide are proposing similar policies. | | Oregon covers doula work, but progress is moving at a 'glacial pace'In 2014, Oregon became the first state to mandate coverage of birth doula services through Medicaid. But just because a policy exists doesn't mean it's user-friendly: "It's like we are bushwhacking through the woods," said Melissa Cheyney, the project director for the Community Doula Program in Corvallis, Ore. | | Doula work is 'taxing' with little pay. Can Minnesota make it more sustainable?Some Minnesota doulas are fighting for their clients and themselves simultaneously: "Instead of breaking down barriers and trying to introduce some sort of equity, we just insert ourselves into this insidious cycle," said Minneapolis doula Rochelle Vincent. | | What is a doula? And other answers to common questions.Doulas can't deliver babies or provide medical care, but they can help reduce birth trauma. Rachel Ryan and Sarah Lipo break down the training doulas receive and how many people use their services in the United States. | …CalloutsAs part of our continued coverage of doulas and the pandemic's impact on maternal health, we want to know: + Have you relied on a postpartum doula for support? + Were you pregnant or gave birth during the pandemic? + Have you had an employer-based health plan cover the cost of a doula? Tell us about your experiences, and you could be featured in a future story. | | | | Three need-to-know stories | | (iStock; Lily illustration) | 01.President Biden is seeking $400 billion to expand caretaking for the elderly and people with disabilities. It's the second most expensive part of his $2 trillion jobs and infrastructure plan. Other components, such as child care and family medical leave, have been postponed to a second package set to be unveiled in coming weeks. 02.The murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin continues today, following an emotional first week that included testimony from George Floyd's girlfriend, Courteney Ross, and 18-year-old witness Darnella Frazier. Her recounting, along with other young witnesses' testimonies, are a reminder of the role that young people play in drawing attention to police violence, The Washington Post reports. 03.In the final game of the women's March Madness tournament, Stanford beat Arizona 54-53, winning their first NCAA women's title since 1992. The tournament stirred controversy because of inequities between the women's and men's facilities — an issue that has also been in the news because of a recent Supreme Court case called NCAA v. Alston, which could give NCAA players greater benefits. | | | | | A story to make you smile | | While many people have made a habit of attending virtual Sunday services during the pandemic in cozy sweatpants or pajamas, churchgoer La Verne Ford Wimberly of Tulsa does things differently. The 82-year-old retired educator decks herself out head to toe every Sunday, then — to the delight of fellow parishioners at Metropolitan Baptist Church — posts a selfie on Facebook after the service. Since March 29, 2020, she has taken photos of herself from her living room in 53 different color-coordinated outfits, Cathy Free writes in The Washington Post. "The whole point was to inspire people and make them feel good," Wimberly said. She never anticipated that anyone outside her congregation would find out about her selfie Sundays, she said. But then, on March 22, a local television reporter who attends Wimberly's church decided to do a story about her colorful outfits. | | | | But before we part, some recs | | | Janay KingsberryMultiplatform editor, The LilyWhat I'm teaching myself:I've always wanted to learn how to speak Spanish so I can feel more connected with my Dominican roots. I use the app Pimsleur, which breaks lessons into 30-minute segments. When the pandemic's over, I'm looking forward to visiting my grandmother and cousins in New York City and putting my rolled R's to the test. How I'm practicing self-care:Now that I don't have to rush out the door every day, I spend a lot more time pampering myself. I love scrolling through BLK + GRN, an online marketplace for natural Black-owned products. It's introduced me to aromatherapy and clean ingredients that my sensitive skin loves. How I unwind after a long day:I've been playing "Spiritfarer," a beautifully designed video game where you sail the world in search of animals or creatures to take care of before they pass into the afterlife. The music, fantastical islands and themes of love and compassion all help to create a relaxing gaming experience. | | | | | |
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