HR 110: Doula Day at the state capitol; January 23, 2025; recognize

House Resolution 110

By: Representatives Cannon of the 58th, Bennett of the 94th, Hugley of the 141st, Jackson of the 68th, Campbell of the 35th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing January 23, 2025, as Doula Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, a doula is a non-clinical support person who provides care to improve perinatal health outcomes for laboring, birthing, and postpartum individuals, as well as loss support; and

WHEREAS, the hallmarks of doula support emphasize community-based interpersonal relationships, health promotion through preventative care, childbirth and health education, emotional support, and the improvement of health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia has a rich history of mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or other close individuals attending births as supportive figures, and research shows that even without formal training, this support can significantly decrease the likelihood of cesarean sections, shorten labor times, and improve the birthing experience; and

WHEREAS, throughout history and across cultures, community-chosen doulas have been revered for their roles in supporting birthing individuals, and Georgia's doulas and doula agencies continue this legacy by training new doulas and providing support for those in need during significant life events; and

WHEREAS, doulas such as Berthina Marquez, Nar Sanders, Janisa Camille, Imani Gunn, Rara Hill, Wendi Wright, Naima Bond, Rosalee Henry, Destiny Muhammad, Simone, Ziah McKinney, Danielle Lyles Barton, Chi T Mathias, Zakirah Abdul-Hameed, Dericka Smith, Tiffany Bryant, Chanel Stryker, Corrinna Edwards, Kristina Cheek, Dr. Kimarie Bugg, Vanya Francis, Krystal Reese, McKenzie Mac Mitcham, Sylvester Pierce, Teandra Durham, Shaconna Haley, Haydee Salas, Sabrina Friday, Danielle Dixon, Shamika Miller, Mary Nicholson Jackson, Retta Sola, Jamita Jackson, Gabrielle Albert, Katherine Marquez, Felecia Dawson, Safira Zayas, Taylor Russaw, and Tianna Swain are making a meaningful difference in Georgia through their services, agencies, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, agencies and doula services such as Birthin' with Berthina, Guiding Lite LLC Holistic Midwifery & Family Health Services, Doula of the Divine, Morehouse School of Medicine Center for Maternal Health Equity, Wellstar Hospital, Luv Your Yoni, Mothers Helping Hands Atlanta LLC, Chosen Womb, Divine Hands Agency, Blooming All Over, ATLdoula and Disability Advocacy, Your Divine Doula, Lamis Womb Care, Mamas With Her Wings LLC, Georgia Community Doula Coalition, Bellies to Babies Foundation, Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere Inc., Full Blown Birthing, Mother's Nest, Envisioned Births Doula Services, Comadres Group, Golden Doula Birth Services, 4Kira4Moms, Whole Plant, SPA DOULAH LAH / BIRTH RESPONDERS, Safety Nest Birthing Services, Sista Girl Birth Initiative, and Yourrebrythtribe provide vital support to Georgia's families; and

WHEREAS, these agencies and individuals create opportunities for doula entrepreneurs to collaborate on critical initiatives that enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize January 23, 2025, as Doula Day at the state capitol. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.