Louisiana
Louisiana launches doula registry to expand access to care
ST. LANDRY PARISH — A new initiative by the Louisiana Department of Health is set to make doula services more accessible to families across the state. The Louisiana Doula Registry allows doulas to be reimbursed for up to $1,500 per pregnancy by insurance providers, including Medicaid.
Shawana Johnson, the owner of Wild Child Doula Services, sees the registry as a step in the right direction. “It makes services more accessible,” she says. “It’s an excellent start. We service women locally right here, and some insurance companies are making strides to get things in line so that clients can hire doulas as providers. The goal is that all insurance providers do the necessary paperwork so we can provide services to our community.”
Johnson, based in Opelousas, provides doula services throughout the area and has already registered for the program.
Kiara Ford, a mother of three, is one of many who have benefited from doula services. She hired Johnson for her third pregnancy and says the experience made a significant difference. “It just provided me with a lot of emotional and physical comfort,” Ford says. “It led to me having an awesome birth, an awesome labor. I was super excited that I had Ms. Shawana to help me.”
The Louisiana Department of Health highlights numerous studies that demonstrate the benefits of doula care, including:
- Fewer cesarean sections
- More spontaneous vaginal births
- Shortened labor durations
- Higher maternal satisfaction postpartum
- Increased breastfeeding rates
- Lower rates of preterm labor and low birth weight
For doulas seeking inclusion in the registry, the Louisiana Department of Health requires the completion of an application available on their website.
This initiative is expected to expand the reach of doula services, improving maternal and child health outcomes across Louisiana.
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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