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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (June 22, 2011)
news Babies Seattle Garden continued from page 1 babies. “We felt it was very important to advocate for policy that made a difference for moth- ers and babies. And in reproductive health as well as in other areas of healthcare, the issue of culturally specific services kept ris- ing to the top as we searched for an effec- tive intervention.” may have to travel miles to see a doctor. “The research shows that to the extent that the healthcare workforce is trained in cul- turally competent service delivery then the outcomes are better for communities of color,” Purcell says. She notes that the Latino community has used community health workers very successfully, as ‘pro- madoras’, or health promoters. National research has shown that using doulas or similar community health work- ers, reduces the use of medical interventions such as caesarian deliveries (50 percent reduction), speeds birth, and lowers depres- sion rates in new mothers. The ‘Listening to Mothers Report,’ a national study created by Boston University School of Public Health for the nonprofit Childbirth Connection, reported that, “Doulas and midwives were the most highly rated providers of labor support, yet were used for this purpose far less frequent- ly than other types of providers.” “In the United States we are not as baby- friendly as we say we are,” Monroe says. “Most of our mothers feel afraid, and under- valued. They don’t go to childbirth classes. But our doulas do empowerment childbirth classes. They make sure mothers have resources and they support women through the pregnancy right through to helping with breastfeeding and after the birth.” research Supports use of Doulas trained, certified and out of Work The Oregon Coalition to Improve Birth Outcomes, which includes Multnomah County Healthy Birth Initiative, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield and ICTC, sees doulas as a first-line resource for preventing infant deaths, especially in communities of color, but also in rural areas where women Monroe points out that doulas trained through ICTC must pass tests, meet bench- marks and certification requirements, and attend continuing education classes. Their services are in demand. In fact, local hospi- tals often refer women to ICTC’s Full Circle doula services. But because the profession A research brief by the Urban League of Portland points to race-related stress as one crucial factor, along with poor housing, eco- nomic uncertainty, unsafe neighborhoods and lack of education. It recommends a community-led, hospital-sponsored doula program to combat the problem. “The lifelong stress of dealing with racism can have a physical impact,” says Midge Purcell of the Urban League of Portland. “Even African American women who are so-called middle-class, have higher education degrees and relatively well paid jobs, still tend to have lower birth-weight Even Black women who are middle-class ... tend to have lower birth-weight babies Bishop Tyson establishing the Garden at Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, Seattle. been opened for doulas to be recognized and funded, but she said that to be success- ful the effort will need backing from a wide range of community members. The doula bill was just one of several healthcare bills backed by the Urban League that tackled this crucial issue of cul- tural competence. A coalition of minority advocates had hoped to make cultural com- petence training a requirement for licensing in the medical professions. Purcell said advocates are disappointed that their efforts failed this time around. Still, they will con- tinue to push for improved training for med- ical professionals, and also for the state to recognize community health workers as a necessary and integral part of the healthcare delivery system. Caldwell’s, Hennessey, Goetsch “We have seen through testimony, time and time & McGee Funeral Home again, that the specific Von D. Bailey needs of communities are often not understood and Funeral Director that they are overlooked,” 20 NE 14th Avenue Purcell said. “There’s a Portland, OR 97232 place for community health 503-232-4111 workers to take on part of that health promotion and Fax 503-231-1586 prevention. They are trusted von.bailey@sci-us.com and that’s really important.” is not a recognized part of the medical care system, health insurance doesn’t cover their services. The low-income and minority women who really need doulas don’t have money to pay for them, Monroe says. And while doulas often do volunteer, because they know their communities need them, they can’t afford to work for free. “I see doulas leaving the profession to take other kinds of jobs because they need to be paid,” she said. “We’re losing experi- enced doulas because they just can’t attend a birth and work 18 hours, two or three times a month with no pay.” Monroe is pleased that the door has now FGPA JUNE CONVENTION CONFERENCE June 23, 24, 25 2011 THEME “The Faith Jesus Seeks On The Earth At His Return" Luke 18:1-14 Presiding Bishop A.A. Wells •June 23rd, Evangelistic Service @ 7:00pm •June 24th, Evangelistic Service, Women @ 7:00pm •June 25th, Christian Education, Organization @ 10:00 – 2:00pm •June 25th, Official Night @ 7:00pm Vancouver Full Gospel Church 311 W. Evergreen Bv Vancouver, Wa 98660 (360) 694-5236 Page 6 The Portland Skanner June 22, 2011
