Some health insurance plans now cover doulas
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Millions of Americans may now have access to doula services as a result of insurance companies offering coverage to expecting mothers.
Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical and emotional support to a woman before, during and after childbirth. Research published by the National Library of Medicine showed the presence of a doula during pregnancy and childbirth can reduce the chances of a Cesarean section delivery by nearly 53 percent.
Shannon Barnett, co-owner of Omaha Birth and Babies, said having a doula personally invested in a woman's pregnancy, baby delivery and postpartum period helps mothers-to-be feel less stressed, which can mean a healthier baby.
"This is the foundation of parenting that you're experiencing and it shouldn't be limited because of finances," Barnett contended. "More and more insurance coverage is really, really important because it's going to provide more access to these families."
This is World Doula Week, created to coincide with the spring equinox, which represents the return of fertility in cultures all over the world.
Dr. Lisa Saul, national medical director of women’s health for UnitedHealthcare, said beyond emotional support, doulas provide mothers and babies with a more intimate and personal birthing experience, which provides medical advantages.
"Having a person that has gotten to know you throughout your pregnancy and can identify when certain things might seem to be a little bit off can often help us to detect when someone is struggling prior to the usual time frame," Saul pointed out.
Even before insurance expansion to cover doula services, the state of Nebraska was working to expand Medicaid coverage for doula services to address racial and cultural disparities in maternal and infant health care.
