--- title: The Rise of Indigenous Doulas date: 2025-03-10T17:31:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-rise-of-indigenous-doulas" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Rise of Indigenous Doulas Jenna Kunze and Jessica Lázaro Moss wrote this article for “Native News Online” about the developing network of indigenous doulas in Washington state. They highlight the doula work of Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. Racial discrimination in the American medical system can be deadly for Indigenous people. The situation is most dire in the state of Washington, where Native women are eight and a half times more likely to die during pregnancy or within the year. More than 80% of these deaths were preventable. In the face of inequality, Indigenous birthkeepers provide culturally competent care for birthing parents and their children. They employ the Indigenous knowledge and experience that they learned from their mothers and aunties. Doula-assisted mothers have healthier pregnancies, and culturally competent doulas help alleviate stress. Doulas can assist in creating birth plans and in advocating for the birthing person during labor. Legislators have recognized the positive effect that doulas can have on birth outcomes. In Washington, Indigenous advocates helped pass a bill to get doula care covered by Medicaid. Doulas can also play a significant role postpartum. Even when all goes well, birth can be a traumatic life event. In Washington, Native mothers are more likely to die by suicide and overdose postpartum. Hummingbird doulas work towards intergenerational healing and care for the mental health of Native birthing people. Camie Goldhammer, the founder of Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services, notes that doula work is a part of reproductive justice. Doulas help birthing people raise their babies in safe and supportive environments. Hummingbird calls for a guaranteed basic income program that will provide $1,250 a month payments until the child’s third birthday for up to 150 Native families. > I see a lot of this work is things that I would do for my family. It's all things that we intuitively did in our culture... So it feels very natural and loving to be able to be a support \[in\] reclaiming birth practices, parenting practices, and community. [Read the full article ](https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/rise-indigenous-doulas) SOURCE: The Pulitzer Center • AUTHOR: Jenna Kunze and Jessica Lázaro Moss • LAST UPDATED: September 22, 2023 ![Five Indigenous doulas from Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services sitting outside](data:image/png;base64,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) Image by Jessica Lázaro Moss ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ birth care providers](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-care-providers) - [Native peoples](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/native-peoples) - [doula](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/doulas) - [birth justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-justice) - [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices) - [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color) - [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health) - [culture](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/culture) - [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth) - [pregnancy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pregnancy) - [postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/postpartum) - [maternal mortality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-mortality) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Doulas & Midwives Can Help Latina Moms Reclaim Ancestral Birthing Practices BIPOC doulas Selena Maldonado and Lydia Harris discuss the benefits for Latine people of having a doula and/or midwife. ![A Latina woman doula in a sweater and jeans lifts a pregnant woman's belly with a yellow rebozo, a Mexican garment. The pregnant woman is lying on a blue exercise ball and is wearing a white shirt and jeans.](data:image/png;base64,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) BIPOC doulas Selena Maldonado and Lydia Harris discuss the benefits for Latine people of having a doula and/or midwife.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/doulas-midwives-can-help-latina-moms-reclaim-ancestral-birthing-practices) [ResourcesRead ## The Historical Significance of Black Doulas and Midwives This blog post, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrates the unsung work of African American birth workers, including doulas and midwives. ![Siloam greene county ga vicinity midwife going on a call carrying her kit d977bf 1024 e1687465869116 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) This blog post, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrates the unsung work of African American birth workers, including doulas and midwives.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-historical-significance-of-black-doulas-and-midwives) [ResourcesRead ## How To Choose The Right Doula For You Things to consider when choosing a doula include cost, certification, and more. ![A happy pregnant woman sits on the couch being checked by her doula](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAGFklEQVRIiX2WW48ktw2FDyl1z6wvieEEQZD8/58T+CkwnDwZiddeL3Z3dqa7ShLJc/JQ3evLQwQ9VKFU/MhDSpT9+7t/CpAgSAIBATA3d/fWeu+9n0/n8/l8Pp3Pp9PpdOqG3w9irZprzjHHnGPMMVdEZGWXjiWCIAASYICkG/T4dnv9f+Nm4b5Sxz8d0uE07hYEAWYEzOQUKVIieHtG898HQEiUbgvuo8jqUN0kuiEPhsElQGYyk7uq2Ios0eVu9lvXWSxWVbHuT1mVldVVpZsINwYFmIkGp0EE6MZ0+jGNZq01HBBBh8FKVlZGZWRGxsqIzOyq/CSYJH4S2wyt2aGOgWZ0o1uZOWCSuwOQlFVVmRWZkRkRK9aMtdaamdVZcaSHFEXyLpSZqqGViQ4VVEABDjgE0b0ZQKmyMiJj3U3PtcaaY60VEV0ZuDmuIz+iCAHm7mjdmE4WWECZHDIRvcsdsAMQEREz1ojD9Njn2MecEdEZEwIlkXVL/aGT0by1jkpjueiSgyZBBMu8wUCqqiIi5lxrzDnm2MbY9n0bY0Sszlh37291QBYpQDBX68qTVRppoIGQIIrdvMGMVFauFWuNNfc5tjGuY7vu23Xft1ir1xoARB6lUJWsWxAwY+vqZ1SaylQmHu7zdLoBxMhaa80xxtjGuO7bZdtetstl265rzs41BYmsKmZUZmWSJQpm3pr6WRVggjd9RDame5MZpchca8055r6N/bJvL9v1+fry8Xp9mWPvtcYv+mRURGVUpkgA1lo7PRwAE4+qEavq5K3LrKjMnGvOsY9xHdtl3563y4fLy4fL84exvfRcuyQVq6IiKlbGYgarAJl3ns7KJSZEQRIptjpbazKnGJljzrHvd/c/Xl/eX57ePD/9tF9+6DnHTaGMWitj1hoVi5mCzFs7PTBDrE97kWSrtCMCaWXMOce+7dtl2563y9Pl+e3z0/cf335zeY+eh0RVjJUxc45ae67BXNIBeKxK6igsECipVVrvMi9xZY45xriO/dDn/fX59fO7bz78F0/foseckFhZsXKNnFvOreZWMaQy635+1SspyYxmd0BZ7zJLKSLmHGO/7vtlvz5vl3eXj/94foO33+JHoMeakJhZOXOOHHuOa86XWlcx4N3j8yILLm+0RrMCGgv9JLMSV8SYY+xHBB+365vLUzz9Cz8Ar4Eec+lTBHPmHDm3HC81n1gb/OTnrwpe3tlO9E73gjllPe8RrNsG3q9jf94u310+4P2G1wCAviIkKTMjaq1YK+bIsdV8x7rA4IXEw6k9sj2ynct7N2+CVadZUSvXGPsY+xzXsX/ct3F9h7f3ZtHXKoms+3G7MlbmWrkuTMDgemntjzUn++RpHgyXWZbcilwZ8+jEYx/jZWzY/oM3vwCiJLFYwQxFKhKZltmZCYO5WvAUychaWS26ryazTtkBWHOuteZac83rmth/1e76TEFiqRKRyPKoFnxIfk2+k5nX561apTHFKPaslg1u1AGIjEPatSJiroX4NWAlJLBQZUmPaqFz6FWCxFmA4bHx4cTGMiaYrKiGMkJmZEXmilxRmcxCEfWbCMogVHmVJ3voFHoIY5qXP8Jkdmr2ijqTjTQmqqmBRsBAMrLibj155m8vHH2VSSC92EItcVrGMGRrZQXIWmt+LjtTXXTRKtWMLgCgmMlMZaJo1KMa2gMwP0VAh0Qi1VI9oDBEs1CnU5A1b36inWRdaqSR1hPmMgPJTGWpaMUmPFpD/xqnH2+Z6EEXRKGEm3W3cI+eRcnkzVtr8i6cgAY5aDQ4YJCILCVRNKLBHq3/vX/xw9e4VWpfckCUJZDoYVhu0TytlYsGd2vu8gbrhnZv++aCAaKKII0yqcvP3v/QH3/+/K9hP0FAT5lghApIIKynWbintRJlMDc2h7lbc7jDTQbBARckI1EyyoVmdrL2qp3/9vDF93/+E96+Qy+YBAoFT0MZ0lBuKSv5AYCZu6e1Zl6H+LLj1gWCMgmCwRzWzM+tf9Yf//LZlz9/5eglw3HKA4QRTgMBwsokgxvKvd3O6vsUDPDbZRmSAQYYrJl3b+fWP+vnLx/58j9dky/IociAsgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) Things to consider when choosing a doula include cost, certification, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-choose-the-right-doula-for-you) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Interacting with My Cardiologist TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3) [ResourcesRead ## 35 Self-Care Tips for Black Women A collection of self-care tips for Black women ![Brandy kennedy 7 P1mau71k JA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAD0UlEQVRIiV1WW5LDNgwDQDpX7hk6vfIa6Acl2YnGs+skNsAnSP7z738AEBBg5iIBgQRFSZSkKpVUUs9NSVJJkkiRBNcrLzQAwjn5vsvPt/l9jHgf/jy3H+svwAAJQiTZj+V1fhC5cF+3yGNJAKDnHxMEWQRB4FBkyAwNCQ1HcHBJkHyBP9AJAmQ8OD4EcBIw4eBQ8xvJWOc1AOTDwB2hAx2PvStEj/mxuTgAIDRSQEQmThSEwJg9Z30CN0Qw6E6CfqKdxIYTG3eYBBAFBSiTKsVPiHmOiKkZLpiBGid6g+9s2rlv3KbDIBRKBEzZrngcP9DU8mIiMeCxczv2EAzvYp3f8HfDZhASKQKWclde6FqXNn4CTg4dj6Fx+iR/e+bcd/5u3PcicETGd2Ik3DmgRA0+J/PhLmvHvn0ICBor9bF9377/8Gc6IZlYchv2qahjviSSSAzQnHj7nPvu04OZIDp2fBt/f3BAGnDdsacJuCN0zgSZdE6rLTvv3HeTk38+fWuvTNgkLcZGvBRmbBffBEmUhHzh275tNykgIKdrVjHYiWGHv+jf1kuq88ZpuGOo7/sQZFFsVUnCHFUAd9e+bR9NBZA4IvgyMXGSuCXNB47win5aCK+/33arlmJLABxIWSW7WJY+NiVOhUqeyqtlJJJlcD1XVZ1xMEQAcCPM6bsjhgG6pIwWyZp3q1DlNskSq7u6ztFcWh8prcqRvzp761OrVn/Clap04a/QrQRyiX11ddf8fRHN2QTxM9smUYRIsqVCQgBOVaUb1007BD0EV3+uRbM5jh+jdEje+TlNmGJX1apgB92wedvJCHRxCD59XX11d1e3evtQW4iSPbufImOJrkUQEjNnbCYmIDEp8bqu63P1ddV11bXysT3QVHm2B6+KqCrBalUhMYkp/IRAiJSUlNRX9+fTn8+K0mbQ3iiCaOXg1SAlVyXpUgU5xcWtmagSUlJ3X59Pf66+ru5+4Y8HTIC5ezXJVBmS5UGGIBFiIhLtcePqWug7zys+JUnYrmv36dqaqtQVpKuUIJ5lCyYERGIsoMTu3ujXg/5WOiTKOMAnRorHAykBiBBeygvYTARUsav7uqqvOvF/FePMQ4WWePDHCTs4BDlDGyEgMxFRUnXt4um9MdYp9u8FQD+ahVSTmolEaAbfmh+IjlRUreCodmq1d5avDUPUGtRLptIcUYOiLVAEQh2CE/Q6ajC6ebrsYcAzS2mJSa+HCJgUA62Om9p99efXnrLWudn/skp8dPodLrLnqwQks/thXpiy+z2zMK7dFFyb2BpWzwN7ivwPs3voTemrN/kAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) A collection of self-care tips for Black women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/35-self-care-tips-for-black-women) [ResourcesRead ## A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it. ![A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period](data:image/png;base64,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) An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-menstrual-experts-surprising-tips-on-how-to-talk-about-your-period)