This report underscores the necessity of establishing a more robust and sustainable community birth infrastructure in Illinois. Data was obtained from written surveys, individual interviews, and focus groups provided by community midwives, doulas, physicians, healthcare leaders, and birth center staff. The recommendations aim to foster a coordinated effort among community birth practitioners, midwives, policymakers, funding entities, healthcare leaders, and community partners to enhance and expand access to community birth services. The report’s findings and recommendations are grouped in five categories:
- Expand the Availability, Accessibility, and Equity of Community Birth Setting Options
- Establish Equitable Medicaid & Private Insurance Reimbursement Rates to Insure Financial Sustainability of Community Birth Settings
- Build a Funded Workforce Training & Preceptorship Pipeline for CNMs & CPMs
- Improve Continuity of Care, System Integration, and Effective Transfers of Care through Collaborative Relationships with Hospitals & Diagnostic Services
- Safeguard Midwife Safety & Emotional Sustainability