Ewing, NJ (Thursday, October 10, 2024) – Today, as part of National Midwifery Week, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) sat down with midwives, doulas, healthcare professionals, and their patients at the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey in Trenton. At the listening session, they discussed how healthcare is evolving, centering on the diverse needs of mothers, from education to advocacy to postnatal recovery, as well as the importance of culturally competent care.

“Midwives and doulas represent an important part of the broader team that helps mothers through the incredible journey that is bringing a child into the world,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Doulas and midwives help mothers every step of the way, from education to attending prenatal visits and serving as an advocate for the mother, helping the mother give birth, and assisting new mothers in those crucial first months of life. More and more families are turning to midwives and doulas for the special care they provide. I remain committed to ensuring well-trained, culturally competent doulas and midwives are available to the mothers who need them.”

“Midwives in New Jersey applaud Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s resolution recognizing the value of midwifery care with its proven positive outcomes,” said Dr. Julie Blumenfeld, Certified Nurse Midwife for Capital Health Prenatal Clinic in Trenton & President of NJ Affiliate of American College of Nurse Midwives. “Increasing access to midwifery care will contribute to improved maternal health outcomes and ensure equity for birthing people and their families in New Jersey and across the nation.”

“We proudly and strongly support United States Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s resolution honoring the life-saving work of certified nurse midwives,” said Donna C. Pressma, CHSofNJ President & CEO. “Every day, we witness certified nurse midwives and doulas’ caring, trained services producing for diverse pregnant and postpartum mothers more healthy full-term and full-weight births.”

“Midwives are licensed clinicians who provide high-quality care that reduces maternal mortality rates. Pairing midwifery care with the support of a doula can further improve health outcomes for birthing people and their families,” said Armonie Pierre-Jacques, NJ Health Care Quality Institute (NJHCQI).  

“For over 20 years, CHSofNJ has been committed to providing a continuum of services that ensure birthing people feel supported, respected, and treated with dignity,” said Socorro Garcia, CHSofNJ Mercer County Program Administrator, Family and Maternal Child Health Services. “Today’s listening session with Congresswoman Watson Coleman reinforces our shared dedication to be a voice for Central NJ families. Thank you, Congresswoman, for listening and for your continuous support.”

“Working together with midwives to support pregnant women makes a difference for doulas; it’s beautiful, because everyone understands each other’s role in supporting the mother, and at the same time, we work as a team for the well-being of both the mother and the baby,” said Silvia Corado, CHSofNJ Program Administrator of Community Based Doula Programs.

Children’s Home Society was able to train and hire an additional 26 doulas in part thanks to Community Project Funding directed by Congresswoman Watson Coleman in 2023.

This week, Congresswoman Watson Coleman and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced a resolution recognizing National Midwifery Week as October 6th through October 12th.