SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For every 100,000 live births in the state, 40 mothers are dying. More specifically, the data shows Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women.
"It's almost like a life or death situation," Destiny Harris said. "I want to go into these hospitals equipped with everything that I can to make sure that I leave with my health and that my babies come into the world healthy and safe to the extent that I can control."
Harris is one of ten women taking part in a week-long doula training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Springdale.
For Harris, it's all about the representation of mothers who look like her.
"Do the doulas available look like you? Do they understand the implications and the issues that are within the health system? Do they understand the nuances of your culture?" she said. "You want to be able to go into those rooms and not have to explain the bare minimum about your identity."
Doulas don't typically have medical training, but they are present to provide guidance and support for a woman during pregnancy and childbirth.
UAMS is partnering with Ujima Maternity Network, a non-profit organization that works to address the Black maternal and infant health crisis in Arkansas.
Ujima representative Sarita Hendrix said the doula training "introduces a level of accountability to the medical staff in the hospital setting. I, myself, had a doula at my own birth, and I think just the mere presence of somebody being there to be an unbiased set of eyes on things is helpful."
Harris said having a doula during her birth, added a type of security.
"It made me feel more safe. And that not only was I supported, but my spouse was supported," Harris said.
The week-long intensive program at the facility is followed by a six-month educational process, but the work doesn't stop here. Right now, there are only 36 Doulas in the entire state.
"This is our first 10. We're going to be doing another 10 in April. And hopefully, we'll continue on until we get to 40 at the end of the year," Hendrix said.
With such a low number of doulas in Arkansas and the medically unrecognized need for more, according to UAMS, accessibility can be difficult. Right now, Medicaid does not pay for doula services.
UAMS representative Sarah Moore said she "would love to see doulas reimbursed for their services and it being seen as a profession that is here and available to all women."
Harris believes that accessibility begins with awareness.
"It comes with the perception that it's something for wealthy people, it's behind the paywall. It's a luxury. And it's not a luxury, it's a necessity," she said.
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