Kate Lisa reports for New York State of Politics that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law on Nov. 6 creating a statewide directory of licensed doulas enrolled in Medicaid, and that made doula services covered for New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid starting Jan. 1. Hochul said, "We're going to make doula care as accessible to as many New Yorkers as possible in communities where they're needed the most." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showed that the national infant mortality rose three percent last year, the biggest increase in 20 years. Doulas help mothers before, during, and after labor, providing emotional support, and giving them an advocate with health professionals. The National Institute of Health says women who use a doula have a 39 percent decreased need for a C-section, and reduced risk of premature deliveries and likelihood of postpartum depression. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.