Sponsored by:
Senator RONALD L. RICE
District 28 (Essex)
Senator THOMAS H. KEAN, JR.
District 21 (Morris, Somerset and Union)
SYNOPSIS
Designates March 22 to March 28 of each year as “Doula Appreciation Week” in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating March 22 to March 28 of each year as “Doula Appreciation Week” in New Jersey.
Whereas, Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth; and
Whereas, Thousands of doulas are currently practicing in more than 50 countries worldwide, including in all 50 U.S. states; and
Whereas, Leading professional societies such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have recognized the well-established benefits of doula services; and
Whereas, Research has demonstrated that support from a doula is associated with lower caesarian section rates, fewer obstetric interventions, fewer complications during and after childbirth, decreased use of pain medication, shorter labor hours, and higher scores on the APGAR test, which indicates how well the baby is doing outside the womb; and
Whereas, Since 2011, World Doula Week has taken place annually from March 22 to March 28 to empower doulas all over the world to improve the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns, and families in birth and in the postpartum period; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper, and within the public interest, to designate March 22 to March 28 of each year as “Doula Appreciation Week” in New Jersey and to encourage the citizens of this State to join the observance of this week and appreciation for the doulas who provide support to mothers in this State; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. March 22 to March 28 of each year shall be designated “Doula Appreciation Week” in New Jersey.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe “Doula Appreciation Week” with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates March 22 to March 28 of each year as “Doula Appreciation Week” in New Jersey to coincide with World Doula Week. Doulas, who can be found in more than 50 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Leading professional societies have recognized the well-established benefits of doula support, which include lower caesarian section rates, fewer obstetric interventions, and fewer complications during and after childbirth.