Doulas 101

By Matt Argento, PhD Psychologist Candidate/Postdoctoral Fellow

With NBC news recently reporting that more insurance companies and plans are covering Doula care for people who are pregnant, I thought it might be helpful to review just what Doulas are, what they do, how they can help, and if it’s ok to ask for help (spoiler alert, it is).

DONA is the world’s leading Doula certification organization; they define birth Doulas as trained professionals who “provide continuous support during labor and delivery, offering comfort measures, advocacy, and emotional support to birthing individuals and their partners.” Many Doulas also offer postpartum support such as offering initial tips for newborn care, feeding support, and other tips to help the entire family adjust to their new roles. What can that support look like? Doulas offer meetings prior to delivery to help everyone involved in the delivery feel as prepared as possible. They have most likely been through numerous births and will know all the different steps, when they happen, and can help demystify the entire process. These meetings however are not a dry review of a childbirth checklist. Doulas are also trained at attending to the emotional needs of pregnant folks and new parents. They have local resources for additional support, and they also help advocate for you. They attend the birth, knowing all of your preferences beforehand, and fight for you and your wants and needs so that you can focus on bringing your baby into the world.

Now, this all sounds great, but does it actually help? Short answer, yes, very much so. One study found women who received Doula care had 52.9% lower odds of Cesarean delivery, and 57.5% lower odds of experiencing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Another study found that women who received Doula care had 22% lower odds for preterm birth, were 13.8% less likely to have a Cesarean delivery, and saved an average of $986 from the overall cost of their childbirth due to having less complications. In addition to these significant benefits, women who received Doula care consistently report feeling better taken care of by their medical team due to the advocacy that Doulas can provide. It’s an unfortunately common experience for women in the U.S. healthcare system to not be listened to by their healthcare providers. Doulas have the training, experience, and confidence to work alongside your care team to ensure that your needs are met and that your preferences are prioritized.

What Doulas do not do: If you have a partner, or a trusted loved one who is supporting you through your pregnancy, Doulas do not take the place of that person; they can actually help that person support you even better. Doulas are an additional support that has experience and training that allows them to support you so that you, or you and your partner, can focus on bringing a child into the world. Doulas are not medical providers. While some healthcare professionals seek additional training and can become Doulas as well, Doulas cannot administer medicine, admit you to the hospital, (or wherever you decide to delivery your baby,) or conduct medical procedures. Doulas work with your care team to support you in a time when you deserve the most support.

Prices vary between providers; however, more Doulas are becoming in-network with more insurance companies, and if they are not in-network many are comfortable helping you navigate how you can submit a claim to your insurance company afterwards and seek reimbursement.

If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, reach out to some Doula services as they will be more than happy to answer questions, discuss options, and explore the best ways to support you during pregnancy. You are also welcome to reach out to me and schedule a free consult to discuss how perinatal psychology can help support you during pregnancy and potentially prevent postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Below is a list of Doula providers in the area, and additional readings that can be helpful for people who are pregnant, or who are supporting someone who is pregnant. And finally, if you are reading this and are pregnant, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Doulas in the Area:

Recommended Readings:

Expecting Better by: Emily Oster
The Birth Partner by: Penny Simkin and Melissa Cheyney, PhD
Expecting Mindfully by: Sona Dimidjian, PhD, and Sherryl H. Goodman, PhD
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by: Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, Janelle Durham, and April Bolding

Doulas 101

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