2013 Wall Award recipient Latona Giwa '09 recognized in New Orleans paper for work with The Birthmark Doula Collective

The United States has the highest costs for maternal health care in the world, with some of the lowest positive health outcome returns. Giwa points to studies that show how using doulas results in a 50 percent reduction in C-sections, forceps and vacuum extraction; shorter hospital stays; fewer babies in neonatal intensive care; less anxiety and postpartum depression and a higher breastfeeding rate.

Doulas offer specific labor support skills: offering guidance and encouragement, assisting mothers to cover gaps in their care, building a team relationship, and encouraging communication between patient, nursing staff, and medical caregivers. Ironically, the most effective doulas are laywomen, not medical professionals or staff. Typically, only middle-to-upper income families can afford the services. Through the 2013 Joseph Wall Award from Iowa's Grinnell College, Birthmark will now be able to assist all income levels.