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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / New York Introduces Medicaid Coverage for Birth Doula Support

New York Introduces Medicaid Coverage for Birth Doula Support

April 23, 2018

New York Introduces Medicaid Coverage for Birth Doula Support

Last night, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a series of initiatives with the goal of reducing maternal mortality rates in New York State. In his words, “Maternal mortality should not be a fear anyone in New York should have to face in the 21st century.” Indeed, this sentiment could be echoed by any of the other 49 states. Compared to other wealthy nations, the US’s maternal mortality rates are soaring.

The pilot program is set to be finalized and put into action within 45 days. Specifically, it would aim to improve mortality rates for black mothers. In New York State, black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth than white women. In New York City, this statistic skyrockets to 12 times more likely. This goal will be accomplished by expanding Medicaid coverage for doulas.

Why doulas? The reason is two-fold.

First of all, studies show that having a birth partner provide one-on-one support to mothers throughout labor and delivery leads to better outcomes for mom and baby. This is precisely what trained doulas are taught to do.

Secondly, despite the advantages, doulas support is only utilized. For some, the cost can be prohibitive. Studies also show there is little diversity among doulas. Therefore, although black and low-income mothers may want the support, their access may be inadequate.

The hope is that expanding Medicaid coverage for doula services would bridge the gap of racial disparity.

If successful, New York will be joining Minnesota and Oregon as the only other states that offer this kind of coverage. However, the initiative is not without concern. Medicaid reimbursement rates for doula support in Minnesota have been low. There’s also concern that the expansion could potentially alter the doula profession.

Molly Deutschbien, a committee member of Rochester Area Birth Network, is in support but still has concerns: “When the doulas get paid by someone other than the mother, it gets to the question of, who does the doula work for?”

Conversely, Elan McAllister, a former doula, and co-founder of the New York Coalition for Doula Access believes this is a positive step, saying “We see it as this critical piece of improving outcomes most especially for at-risk mothers. There’s something about having a support person who can bring humanity into a situation and who cares that you survive childbirth and get through it.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/22/nyregion/childbirth-death-doula-medicaid.html)

Aliza Bancoff, the founder of International Doula Institute, is pleased with this step toward more doula-attended births in New York.

In her words, “we know that having a doula present reduces many common difficulties during childbirth, including lowering cesarean rates, decreasing the need for pain medication, and decreasing mortality rates, among others. So to have doulas covered under Medicare is a great step forward.”

Governor Cuomo will also create a Task Force on Maternal Morality and Disparate Racial Outcomes to partner with the Maternal Mortality Review Board. The plan will be to review each maternal death in New York. Additionally, the state will expand prenatal education programs and review hospital best practices regarding hemorrhaging.

Overall, Cuomo says, “We are taking aggressive action to break down barriers that prevent women from getting the prenatal care and information they need.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/22/nyregion/childbirth-death-doula-medicaid.html, New York to Expand Use of Doulas to Reduce Childbirth, accessed April 23, 2018)

Aliza Juliette Bancoff
Author: Aliza Juliette Bancoff

Aliza Juliette Bancoff is a well-known doula and doula trainer who has been providing doula services to families for over a decade. She is the founder of Main Line Doulas, a doula group providing doula support in the great Philadelphia area for the last decade, the International Doula Institute, which provides online doula training and lactation training and certification programs and  the International Breastfeeding Institute which provides lactation training and certification.   She is the co-founder of United Birth, a company devoted to increasing access to doulas across the country to make the perinatal time safer both physically and emotionally. “Every birthing person deserves access to quality doula support. And we are working to make that a reality across the country. The work we are doing to get doulas to every birthing person will decrease the black infant and maternal mortality rate significantly by 2030.” Says Bancoff. Aliza is known for her compassionate and empowering approach to doula work, and she has been featured in numerous media outlets, including United Nations Maternal Health Report,  Parent Magazine, CafeMom, theBump and many more. Aliza's journey into doula work began when she gave birth to her first child and felt a strong calling...

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Tracy tells us,
“This course was informative and educational. I enjoyed learning how to become a doula.”

Patricia shared, 
“This course was great. I loved how easy it is to use, as someone who is not very technologically inclined. The coursework was challenging and I learned so much. My instructor was always very easy to reach and very responsive to any issues I had. I loved being able to work at my own pace and skip around a bit. Videos are hard for me as I am very self-conscious so it was nice to be able to postpone them for a bit until I could really practice and feel my best. ”

Judith shared, 
“The instructors and course materials/videos were all so wonderful and informative. I truly feel very well equipped with all the knowledge and tools I now have to start as a full spectrum doula with multiple certifications under my belt. Thank you, IDI, from the bottom of my heart. My true passion is blossoming before my very eyes!”

Miranda tells us, 
“I started my training at IDI almost a year ago. The courses have given me exactly what I needed to become a confident doula! After looking at several different doula training programs I decided on IDI because I have two young children and could work at my own pace online. I also really liked that the curriculum was contributed to by different backgrounds and trainings, not only from one perspective. This program has offered more to me than I ever could have thought! Not only have I learned how to support Moms and families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum but I’ve been given tools in growing my reach and communication… just to name a few. There’s also huge support from other doulas in the program. I recommend this program to future doulas!”

Mary says, 
“Started my journey (with admitted fear) only a month ago and felt immediately at ease! This program is very fluid. Work at your own pace. Easy to reach help and support the whole way through. Everything you need to know to hit the ground running with confidence once certified.”

Brenda tells us, 
“My name is Brenda and I have been studying with IDI for a while now, looking forward to the Postpartum course also. I have found the studies, books, and information to feel well rounded in information and comprehensive. I love all the books they have chosen for my studies. Also, the opportunity to be hands-on with the additional class, interviews, videos, and Moms-to-be. This is a part of the program that brings all the reading, studying…everything to light! The teachers are kind, understanding and obviously VERY experienced and can guide and support me throughout this wonderful journey of certification to be a “Doula” I’m so happy I chose IDI to be my training! Thank you!!!! I look forward to the future!♡”

Joyce says, 
“I love being a student with IDI!”

Laura tells us,
” Easy to do at my own pace, good supplemental readings. ”

Hannah tells us,
” Hey this is Hannah! I’m SOO excited to have finished my courses & have become a CERTIFIED DOULA! I almost can’t believe I have that title, with my name!!! This has been a lifelong dream. I’m very grateful to have been able to do it online, as I am a stay-at-home mom to 7 amazing children. It was very convenient for me to work on, as I had quiet time, during my little’s naps. Having been through labor, birth & breastfeeding stages of my life, helped tremendously. However, it was a very practical course & easy to understand the instructions. I highly recommend IDI to anyone who is interested in becoming a doula!! Thank you, IDI!!! ”

Tatyana says,
“I enjoyed everything about this course. Very informative and detailed.”

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