Stories Unite Us
When we open the floodgates of the stories that our lived experiences have informed, we build bridges to a wider community and create a space for action. Stories help us feel less alone and can energize a movement.
The Story of Doulas and Perinatal Care
Dr. Aaron Caughey
The impact is undeniable—our study concluded that ubiquitous doula care could reduce cesarean births and even maternal deaths in current and future pregnancies. The cost savings and quality of life improvements were significant, with potential savings of up to $1,360 per doula.
Jesse Remer, Doula
Doulas improve health outcomes, reduce maternity care costs, and support public health. But for this model to be viable, we must take action
Alyson Day, Doula
Our maternal health outcomes and rates of infant loss are among the highest of any developed country. Unfortunately, Black women are impacted at greater rates and so are our babies.
Black birthing people and the disparity of care
Why it Matters
The preterm birth rate in Oregon was 9.0% in 2023, higher than the rate in 2022. The annual societal economic cost (medical, educational, and lost productivity) associated with preterm birth in Oregon is an estimated $64,000. When causes of death related to preterm birth are grouped together, preterm-related causes account for 32.6% of infant deaths in Oregon.
In 2022, CDC reported 4.48 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in Oregon. This report also shows that 37.6 % of people who give birth are unmarried, 29.1% deliver with a Cesarean procedure, 8.71% of births are preterm.
In Oregon this amount spent with preterm birth was nearly $240 million dollars. Studies in California and in the US have reported that preterm birth and major morbidities can generate great costs for hospitals and patients.