March 22 - 28, 2020: Doula Appreciation Week

WHEREAS, doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to families before, during, and after childbirth; and,  

 

WHEREAS, in more than 50 countries worldwide, including all 50 states throughout the U.S., thousands of doulas are currently practicing; and,

 

WHEREAS, leading professional societies, including The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have recognized the benefits of doula services; and,

 

WHEREAS, research has demonstrated that support from a doula is associated with improved outcomes for mothers and babies, including reduced incidence of Cesarean sections and birth complications, increased breastfeeding initiation and duration, healthy weight babies, and reduced incidences of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders; and,

 

WHEREAS, since 2011, World Doula Week has taken place annually from March 22 to March 28 to uplift and empower doulas all over the world to improve the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of birthing persons, newborns, and expecting families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period; and,

 

WHEREAS, access to doulas for all birth and expecting families is imperative in ensuring a healthy birth and postpartum outcomes; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to designate March 22 through March 28 as “Doula Appreciation Week” and to encourage the residents to join the observance of this week and appreciation for the doulas who provide support to expecting families;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 22-28, 2020, as Doula Appreciation Week in Michigan.