Assembly Resolution No. 188

BY: M. of A. Solages

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 22-28, 2023, as Doula Week in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of World
Doula Week

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22-28, 2023, as Doula Week in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Doula
Week; and

WHEREAS, World Doula Week begins with World Doula Day on March 22nd
which was chosen because it is the spring equinox, which represents the
return of fertility in countless cultures; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of World Doula Week (WDW) is to empower doulas
all over the world to improve the physiological, social, emotional, and
psychological health of women, newborns and families in birth and in the
postpartum period; and

WHEREAS, World Doula Week events will take place all over the world
during the same week, stating the benefits of the presence of doulas in
birth and in the postpartum period including reducing the incidence of
c-sections; and

WHEREAS, The presence of doulas during labor and the postpartum
period are beneficial to the entire family by reducing the incidence of
postpartum mood; and

WHEREAS, A doula may shorten the length of labor; reduce epidural
and analgesic requests; increase breastfeeding initiation and
continuation; increase mother's satisfaction of birth experience; and
increase new parents' confidence in the care of their newborn; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals, such as doulas, of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22-28th, 2023, as
Doula Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of World Doula Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.