In New York, particularly for those covered by Medicaid, doula services are a valuable, free resource for pregnant people, offering physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth, potentially improving outcomes for both mother and baby. New York State offers Medicaid coverage for doula services as a permanent benefit, ensuring access for those who need it.
What is a Doula?
Doulas are not medical personnel and do not provide medical advice or care. They offer continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant individuals and their families.
Doulas can also be referred to as birth companions, birth coaches, or postpartum supporters. They can be extremely valuable, especially with first pregnancies or single moms-to-be.
- Key Differences Between Midwives and Doulas: To summarize the difference between the two, midwives focus on clinical care and medical management throughout pregnancy and childbirth, while doulas provide emotional support, comfort and advocacy during labor and delivery.
What are the benefits of a doula?
Think of a doula as a resource you can rely on throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and beyond. A doula can provide physical, emotional, and informational support, reducing stress, increasing your confidence and acting as an intermediary and advocate:
- More coping methods: Your doula can suggest ways to help ease the stress and pain of labor. For example, they can show you breathing techniques or help find a more comfortable position as you work through contractions.
- Fewer interventions: Studies have shown that doulas can decrease the need for assisted vaginal delivery and lower the likelihood of cesarean birth. If you do end up needing a cesarean, a doula can still provide reassurance and support. Your birth doula may even be able to go with you to the operating room, instead of a partner or other support person.
- An unbiased resource: Doulas are trained to point you to evidence-based resources, so you can stay informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy and birth. They can also help you put together your birth plan by asking questions you may not have considered. Do you want the baby placed on your chest right after birth? Will you bank your baby’s umbilical cord blood?
- An advocate: Once you’re in labor, the doula can be a voice for your birth plan, helping to make your preferences known to your health care team.
- Better communication: Doulas can help navigate confusing situations. They can remind doctors and nurses to explain medical terms and help make sure you always know what is going on.
- Extra attention: Your doctor and nurses can’t be in the room for every minute of your labor, as they need to tend to other patients. Having a doula there at all times can help you feel relaxed, calm, and fully supported.
- Postpartum support: Some birth doulas continue working with their patients for up to 8 weeks after delivery, while others specialize in postpartum care. Either way, they can support your recovery process, from breastfeeding to managing sleep schedules.
- A more satisfying birth experience: People who use birth doulas often report having a more positive childbirth experience.
How to Find a Doula in New York
- Medicaid Directory: New York State has a Medicaid Fee-for-Service Doula Directory to help find doulas who participate with Medicaid. Doula services for Medicaid members: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/doula/directory/directory.htm
- Contact your Medicaid Managed Care Plan: If you are a Medicaid Managed Care Member, contact your plan directly for questions and doula services. In addition to Medicaid, other insurers are also creating a doula benefit for their members.
- Citywide Doula Initiative: For doula services in New York City, you can contact the Citywide Doula Initiative. https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/citywide-doula-initiative.page. For services outside of New York City, simply do an internet search, e.g. “doulas in Syracuse, NY.” Most services can match you with a specific language or culture, if preferred.
- Private Pay: If you are paying for a doula privately, be sure to ask about what their services include. Some have standard packages that list what’s included, so you know what to expect.
