JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For some expecting parents, a doula can provide another layer of support throughout that process, and that support may already be included in their health insurance benefits.
Dr. Danielle Madril, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Florida, says doulas provide non-clinical emotional, physical and educational support during pregnancy, childbirth and after the baby is born.
She describes a doula as a kind of “super coach” for an expecting parent.
“They do not replace your doctor or your medical provider if you happen to have a midwife,” Madril said. “What they do is they really enhance the support for the patient.”
What does a doula actually do?
A doula can help expecting parents understand what to expect during pregnancy and labor, prepare questions for their medical providers and get ready for bringing a baby home.
That support can continue after delivery, when parents are adjusting to caring for a newborn and may have questions about things like feeding, sleeping or other parts of the transition.
Madril says that consistent support can also help parents feel more confident and make sure they feel heard when they have questions or concerns.
A doula is not a midwife
While doulas and midwives can both be part of a pregnancy and birth team, their jobs are different.
A midwife is a medical professional who can provide clinical care and deliver a baby. A doula does not provide medical care or replace a doctor or midwife.
Instead, Madril says the roles can complement each other.
“You can actually have the obstetrician, a physician, and a doula as part of your team also,” she said. “They work together as a team and they complement the medical care.”
Support can continue after the baby is born
Madril says one of the benefits of doula care is that it does not necessarily end with delivery.
After a baby is born, doulas can continue helping parents adjust and can provide another person to talk to when questions or concerns come up.
Madril says research has associated doula support with fewer unnecessary interventions, lower rates of C-sections and preterm births, higher breastfeeding success and reductions in postpartum anxiety and depression.
She says that postpartum support can also help parents recognize when they may need additional medical or mental health care.
Check your insurance benefits
As more health plans begin offering doula coverage, Madril says expecting parents should check their own benefits because they may have access to services without realizing it.
Depending on the plan, benefits could include in-person visits, virtual support, a certain number of visits or reimbursement for doula services.
Madril says doula support can be used during any pregnancy, not only for first-time parents.
For expecting parents interested in working with a doula, she recommends starting by contacting their health insurance provider to find out what services are covered and what options are available through their plan.
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