Innovations
Centering Pregancy + Doulas
Centering Pregnancy is a evidence-based, group prenatal care model that enhances patient satisfaction and care experiences while reducing preterm births, low birth weights, NICU stays, and healthcare costs. This model challenges the systems and structures that contribute to poor health, fostering communities where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Doulas are trained non-medical professionals who enhance the health of both mother and baby by offering continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The presence of a doula has been shown to reduce preterm births, lower the rates of Caesarean sections and birth complications, and improve communication, health literacy, breastfeeding success, and Apgar scores. Doulas play a vital role in ensuring that patients’ needs are met and that they have access to essential medical or nonclinical services.
Maternal Warning Signs
Most maternal deaths in Mississippi occur after childbirth. Because of healthcare deserts, pregnant and postpartum women often seek care in nontraditional settings, where many providers may lack the familiarity and resources to manage pregnancy and postpartum care effectively. Training these providers to recognize maternal warning signs can raise awareness of potential emergencies and improve the quality of care that women receive.
See also the March of Dimes Maternity Care Deserts report.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Many Mississippi mothers suffer from behavioral health challenges and go untreated. MSPHI is working with multiple partners to increase mental health screening, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as increasing provider cultural competency and patient access to appropriate care.
