Declare Doula Day Statewide

March 22, 2026, as Doula Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22, 2026, as Doula Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Doula Day; 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 Day and World Doula Week 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 Day events will take place all over the world on the same day, 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, 2026, as Doula Day in the State of New York; 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.