Doulas: Mainstream Maternity Care Game-Changers

Dolas are stepping up big time in maternity care, offering hands-on emotional and physical

support before, during, and afterbirth.

Once seen as a high in perk, they're now going mainstream thanks to growing insurance

coverage.

More than 30 states cover Dolas through Medicaid, up from just 14 in late 2022, and big players

like United Healthcare are.

Jumping in with private plans, too.

Private coverage is expanding fast, reimburseing costs that used to run over $2,000 without

insurance.

This shift comes from solid research, showing Dolas cut risks for moms and babies, especially

in communities hit hard by health gaps, like black.

Mother's facing maternal death rates three times higher than white women.

Moms like single parents in Memphis are calling Dolas lifelines, guiding them through twins,

sea sections, postpartum blues, and even past losses like stillbirths.

They build real bonds, connecting families to resources and advocating in hospitals, turning

strangers into family.

Studies back it up strong, disadvantage moms with Dolas see four times fewer low-birthweight

babies, half the birth complications, 47, percent lower sea section odds, and way more postpartum

checkups when over half of maternal deaths happen.

Minnesota led the way back in 2014, and just doubled sessions covered.

Doctors and nurses are warming up, too, with hospitals contracting Dolas and teens appreciating

the extra layer of care.

As this integrates deeper into the system, its clear Dolas are a smart, low-cost fix reshaping

healthier births for everyone.

That's the story for today.

Canada News Today, Driven by AI.