Doulas: The New Mainstream Support for Moms

0:00Doolas are hitting the mainstream big time, stepping up as key support for moms before, during, and after birth. These non-medical pros offer emotional and physical help that used to cost over $2,000 out of pocket. Now, more than 30 states cover them through Medicaid, jumping from just 14 back in late 2022. Private giants like United Health Care are jumping in too, with new benefits rolling out this year. Research is driving this shift, showing Doolas cut risks for moms and babies, especially in underserved spots. Black mothers face maternal death rates over three times higher than white women, but Doolas help close that gap without breaking the bank. States like Minnesota led the way in 2014, now offering up to 18 sessions no questions asked. Moms like Shakoya Stewart, swear by it. She's a single mom of four who had twins with her Tennessee Medicaid-covered Doola. She handled blood pressure scares, a C-section, and postpartum blues feeling way less alone.

1:00Doolas like Chanel Bowens, who served six kids of her own, become like homegirls, linking families to resources, and advocating in the system. Studies back the winds hard, disadvantaged moms with Doolas see four times fewer low birth-wave babies, half the complications, and 47 percent lower C-section odds for Medicaid users. They also boost breastfeeding starts in postpartum checkups by 46 percent, tackling the period when over half of maternal deaths hit. Doctors and nurses are warming up fast, with pilot programs in places like Memphis folding Doolas into careteams. As coverage spreads and acceptance grows, this supports set to save lives across the board, making birth safer for everyone. From your city, powered by AI, this is Durham News Today, I'm Corey with The Story.