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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING WORLD DOULA DAY AND DOULA WEEK IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, March 22, 2026, marks the globally celebrated World Doula Day, and heralding the start of Doula Week; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 World Doula Week theme, “Holding Humanity: Doulas at the Heart of Care,” underscores the critical need for an increase in doulas, supported by compelling research that shows enhanced maternal well-being and significantly lower intervention rates, highlighting the transformative impact of doulas during pregnancy and childbirth; and
WHEREAS, World Doula Day and Doula Week serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary contributions of doulas worldwide, honoring their steadfast commitment to supporting women, newborns, and families through the transformative journey of childbirth and postpartum period; and
WHEREAS, doulas are vital in nurturing the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals and families, providing guidance, advocacy, and compassionate care throughout the birthing process and beyond; and
WHEREAS, in Cook County, we emphasize the critical importance of recognizing and celebrating the relentless dedication of doulas, highlighting the need to empower these essential caregivers who elevate the childbirth experience and promote holistic health outcomes for mothers, infants, and families; and
WHEREAS, Doula Week offers a platform to raise awareness, honor the legacy, and spotlight the crucial role of doulas in championing informed decision-making, maternal autonomy, and inclusive support systems within diverse communities worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Health launched its inaugural Doula Program last March, a 3-year, $3 million initiative to support the physical and emotional well-being of mothers before, during, and after pregnancy, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, doula services not only enhance maternal health outcomes but also reduce costs associated with maternal mortality and morbidity by decreasing reliance on pain medication, shortening labor duration, reducing hospital stays, minimizing operative deliveries like C-sections and episiotomies, increasing APGAR scores, and lowering infant and maternal mortality rates;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this esteemed body, in alignment with World Doula Day and World Doula Week, hereby recognizes and commemorates March 22, 2026, as Doula Day and March 22nd - March 28th as Doula Week in Cook County, extending profound gratitude to all doulas in Cook County and across the United States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this body urges individuals, organizations, and communities to actively engage in commemorating World Doula Day and Doula Week, acknowledging the profound impact of doulas in fostering positive birth experiences, nurturing maternal-infant bonding, and promoting the well-being of families worldwide; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be disseminated in the official proceedings of this Honorable Body as a testament to our collective commitment to honoring and uplifting the vital contributions of doulas in creating a more compassionate and equitable society.
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