Doulas have been found to have a significant impact on the outcomes of Medicaid patients, particularly in reducing cesarean deliveries and improving maternal health. A recent study conducted by US health care insurance provider Elevance Health, Inc. revealed that Medicaid enrollees who received doula care were 47% less likely to have a cesarean delivery. Additionally, women with doula support had a 29% lower risk of preterm birth and were 46% more likely to attend postpartum checkups compared to those without a doula.
Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to women before, during, and after childbirth. Their role involves offering education, guidance, and patient advocacy, such as helping to set up a birthing plan, explaining options and answering questions, and communicating the mother’s decisions to the doctor. Previous research has linked doula care to lower rates of cesarean deliveries, birth complications, and postpartum depression.
The study, titled “Role of Doulas in Improving Maternal Health and Health Equity Among Medicaid Enrollees, 2014–2023,” published in the American Journal of Public Health, analyzed Medicaid claims data from over one million pregnancies across nine US states. The research focused on women aged 15 to 49 enrolled in Medicaid-affiliated health plans.
Results showed that doula care was associated with reductions in maternal health risks and a 29% lower risk of preterm birth. In counties with high infant mortality rates, cesarean deliveries dropped by 57% for women with doula support. However, there was no significant impact on emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, or postpartum depression or anxiety.
The study highlighted the importance of expanding access to doula care under Medicaid, particularly for high-risk populations. As Medicaid programs continue to include coverage for doula services, broader access to doula care could play a critical role in reducing cesarean delivery rates and improving maternal health outcomes.
In conclusion, the findings from this study emphasize the valuable role that doulas play in supporting Medicaid patients during pregnancy and childbirth. By providing non-clinical support and improving maternal outcomes, doulas have the potential to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of expectant mothers.
