New York City reaches milestone with 4,200 doula care recipients

New York City officials announced that the Citywide Doula Initiative has provided care to more than 4,200 people since its launch in 2022. The program aims to address maternal health disparities, specifically targeting Black and Latino mothers, individuals in foster care, teen parents, and those living in homeless shelters.

Six hospitals have participated in the Doula-Friendly Hospital Program, including Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Montefiore Medical Center, and several NYC Health + Hospitals locations such as Elmhurst, Jacobi, Lincoln, and Metropolitan. These institutions have adopted policies that integrate doulas into the maternity care team. Data indicates that referrals from participating hospitals increased from 100 between 2019 and 2021 to 603 between 2023 and 2025.

The initiative provides free, non-medical support to income-eligible pregnant residents. Future expansions intend to provide patients with up to eight doula visits, including in-person support during labor or delivery, and to extend access to City employees.