Doulas helping Ohioans make informed health care decisions

By Nadia Ramlagan

More women are seeking services from professionals who assist expecting moms with prenatal planning, labor exercises, and postpartum support.

Now, major providers like UnitedHealthcare have begun covering doulas with their insurance plans.

Linsey Griffith, owner of The Ohio Doulas agency in Columbus, said doulas are improving care for women living in rural health care deserts.

"Doulas have stepped up and stepped into the gap," Griffith explained. "Right now, roughly 5% to 7% of families use doulas, so insurance covering doula care, that's going to increase the ability for folks who want and need a doula to have access to that service."

Research shows doula services have been linked to a lower risk of C-sections, higher birth weights, and a lowered risk of premature labor.

Dr. Lisa Saul, national medical director of women’s health for UnitedHealthcare, said reducing complications during a pregnancy can help avoid the worst outcomes.

"With the United States having the highest maternal mortality rate as well as maternal morbidity rate among high-income countries, we know that most of these deaths and most of these scenarios are considered to be preventable," Saul emphasized.

Saul noted UnitedHealthcare members may have coverage for a set number of visits or a reimbursement allowance for doula support services.