Doulas are becoming increasingly aware of the impacts of the worsening climate crisis on their clients’ pregnancies. Esther Louis, a Miami-based doula, experienced firsthand how climate disasters can complicate the birthing journey for pregnant people. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, Louis assisted a nine-month pregnant client in evacuating to safety as the storm approached Florida. The stress of the hurricane and evacuation caused her client to experience Braxton Hicks contractions, highlighting the need for doulas to be trained in communicating climate risks to their clients.
Recognizing the importance of preparing doulas for climate-related disasters, Louis partnered with Dr. Cheryl Holder to create the Doula C-Hot program. This program aims to educate doulas on assessing climate risks for their clients and helping them better prepare for future threats. The initiative received a grant in 2024 and could serve as a model for training doulas nationwide as climate educators.
Research has shown a correlation between environmental threats like extreme heat and wildfire smoke and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirths and premature births. Pregnant people are also at risk of developing conditions like preeclampsia due to climate-related factors. Maternal mental health issues, including postpartum depression, have been linked to climate-related disasters as well.
In addition to preparing for climate-related disasters, doulas are also addressing everyday risks posed by the changing climate. In cities like New Orleans and Philadelphia, doulas are providing support in emergency shelters and educating clients on environmental exposures to contaminants. Some doulas have even organized disaster planning workshops to help pregnant people and families prepare for extreme weather conditions.
The Doula C-Hot program and similar initiatives highlight the crucial role doulas play in advocating for the health and well-being of pregnant people in the face of climate change. By equipping doulas with the knowledge and skills to navigate climate risks, we can better protect pregnancies, particularly for marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by climate-related threats. It is a time when pregnant people need extra care and support to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their unborn child. That’s why initiatives like the one in Florida, training doulas to understand and address the impacts of climate change on pregnancy and maternal health, are so crucial.
Dr. Holder, a collaborator on the project, recognized the importance of starting with pregnant people, as they are nurturing the next generation. By equipping doulas with the knowledge and tools to help their clients navigate environmental threats and hazards, they can make a real difference in ensuring positive birth outcomes.
The training program in Florida has already seen success, with 12 doulas completing the training and working with over 40 clients. These doulas are now able to assess their clients’ preparedness for climate-related disasters and offer practical advice and resources to help them stay safe. From finding cooling centers to developing emergency plans, these doulas are making a tangible impact on the health and well-being of pregnant people in their communities.
But the work doesn’t stop there. As the program looks to expand beyond Florida, there are plans to make the materials and training accessible in multiple languages, including Haitian Creole and Spanish, to ensure language equity for all pregnant individuals. Additionally, other organizations like Nurturely in Oregon are developing similar programs to address specific environmental threats like wildfire season and smoke.
By empowering doulas and other birthworkers with the knowledge and resources to support pregnant people through climate-related disasters, we can ensure that all individuals have the care and support they need to have safe and healthy pregnancies. Initiatives like these are paving the way for a more resilient and prepared future for pregnant individuals and their families. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on communities across the country, pregnant individuals are facing unique challenges that require specialized care. In response to this growing need, organizations like the one led by program director Aver Yakubu are working to prepare doulas to support their clients through these difficult times.
Yakubu emphasizes that there are niche needs for pregnant individuals in the face of climate-related disasters, such as wildfires. Many doulas in the state are aware of the dangers posed by wildfires, but they may not know how to effectively address these concerns with their clients. To bridge this gap, training programs are being developed to provide doulas with the information and resources they need to support pregnant individuals in preparing for and responding to climate-related emergencies.
In Oregon, for example, pregnant Medicaid patients have access to resources like air conditioners and air purifiers that can help mitigate the effects of heat and smoke. By connecting clients to these resources, doulas can play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of pregnant individuals in the face of climate-related challenges.
However, there are barriers to providing this specialized care to those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Doula care can be expensive, and Medicaid reimbursement programs may not always cover the cost of doula services. In Florida, while doulas can be reimbursed under the state’s Medicaid program, the process of qualifying for payment can be difficult in practice. Similarly, in Texas, Medicaid reimbursements may only recognize doulas with certain certifications, excluding many community-based doulas who provide essential support to marginalized groups.
Despite these challenges, the importance of training doulas to address the unique needs of pregnant individuals in the face of climate change cannot be understated. As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, the health and well-being of pregnant individuals are increasingly at risk. Providing doulas with the tools and knowledge they need to support their clients through these challenges is essential to ensuring the safety and health of pregnant individuals in a changing climate.
Ultimately, the goal is to see programs like these fully tested, expanded, and incorporated into general medical care. As climate change continues to impact communities across the country, it is vital that we prioritize the health and well-being of pregnant individuals and provide them with the support they need to navigate the challenges of a changing climate.
