In our weekly environmental newsletter, we focus on emerging trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable future. I recently came across a unique concept, the role of a climate doula, which intrigued me. The story of Esther Louis, a doula from Florida, highlights her efforts to assist expectant mothers in facing climate-related risks head-on.
Esther Louis, a doula based in Florida, played a crucial role during Hurricane Irma in 2017. She recalls the challenges of evacuating with a pregnant client amid the storm. This experience led her to realize the potential for doulas to provide support in dealing with climate-related hazards. Louis now leads a program in southern Florida called the Doula Climate Health Outreach Team (Doula C-Hot), aiming to train doulas to assess climate risks for pregnant women and ensure their safety.
The program educates doulas on the impacts of extreme heat on pregnancies, emphasizing the heightened risks faced by Black and Hispanic mothers. It also teaches strategies to help mothers stay cool and hydrated, including providing portable air conditioning units for families in need. Additionally, doulas are trained to assist clients in disaster planning, such as identifying cooling centers and preparing for evacuations during emergencies.
Louis’s initiative has trained 12 doulas so far, enhancing their awareness of climate issues and emergency preparedness. Similar efforts are being made by doulas across the U.S., such as the Birthmark Doula Collective in New Orleans, showcasing the growing importance of addressing climate risks in maternal care.
As the global climate crisis intensifies, the vulnerability of pregnant women and newborns to multiple crises concurrently is a pressing concern. Louis advocates for greater focus on emergency planning for pregnant and postpartum families, emphasizing the need for doulas to play a pivotal role in this area, even in countries like Canada.
Louis believes that the training provided to doulas in the Florida program reinforces the significance of their work and aligns with their mission to support families effectively in challenging circumstances. The program’s success underscores the critical role doulas can play in safeguarding maternal and infant well-being amidst climate-related challenges.