This new benefit is for all pregnant and postpartum Basic plan members to receive health education, advocacy, and physical and emotional non-medical support before, during, and after pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortions.
“Doula services play a critical role in supporting pregnant persons and their families through the childbirth process by offering continuous emotional, physical, and informational support,” said Dr. Julia Logan, CalPERS chief medical officer. “Their presence can lead to better outcomes for both the pregnant person and baby, making them an invaluable addition to the birthing team.”
What Is a Doula, and What Is Their Role?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and shortly after childbirth. They can also offer assistance during the postpartum period with breastfeeding and other support, as well as for miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortions. Doulas are not medical professionals — rather, they complement the medical care provided by midwives, obstetricians, and nurses.
Doulas offer a range of services tailored to the needs of the pregnant person and their family:
- Emotional support: Providing reassurance, encouragement, and a calming presence.
- Physical support: Assisting with comfort measures like breathing techniques, positioning, and massage.
- Informational support: Offering evidence-based information about childbirth options and postpartum care.
- Advocacy: Helping the pregnant person articulate preferences and concerns to the medical team.
- Continuous presence: Unlike medical staff, doulas provide uninterrupted support throughout labor and delivery.
How Much Will CalPERS Cover?
- One initial visit (in-person or virtual, as appropriate).
- Up to eight additional visits that can be provided in any combination of prenatal and postpartum visits (in-person or virtual, as appropriate).
- Support during labor and delivery, including abortions, miscarriages, or labor and delivery resulting in a stillbirth.
- Up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits after the end of a pregnancy (in-person or virtual, as appropriate).
Why Are Doulas Important?
- Personalized care: Doulas offer personalized, one-on-one care that is often lacking in busy hospital settings.
- Emotional well-being: The emotional support provided by doulas can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more positive childbirth experience.
- Empowerment: Doulas empower women by providing them with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their childbirth and postpartum care.
- Continuity of care: Doulas provide continuous support, which is crucial during labor, where the presence of a consistent caregiver can make a significant difference.
Why Are Doula Benefits Being Offered?
Doula services play a critical role in supporting pregnant persons and their families through the childbirth process. Research indicates numerous benefits for mothers and families who use doula services:
- Reduced intervention rates: Studies show that the presence of a doula can lead to lower rates of medical interventions, such as cesarean sections, epidurals, and the use of forceps or vacuum extraction.
- Shorter labor: Continuous support from a doula may be associated with shorter durations of labor.
- Improved birth outcomes: Pregnant persons with doulas often report more positive birth experiences, feeling more in control and satisfied with their labor and delivery.