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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / A Historic Victory for Doulas and Birthing People in New York State: Medicaid to Cover Doula Support

A Historic Victory for Doulas and Birthing People in New York State: Medicaid to Cover Doula Support

March 16, 2023

Birthing person with doula

Today marks an unprecedented triumph for doulas and birthing people across New York State. A new bill has been passed, ensuring that Medicaid patients receive free doula support. This groundbreaking legislation will cover doulas at the highest reimbursement rate in the United States, a staggering $1930 per client. Doulas have worked tirelessly to achieve fair wages. This monumental achievement emphasizes the importance of doula services and the positive impact they have on birthing experiences.

The Importance of Doulas in the Birthing Process

Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing people and their families throughout the prenatal period, labor, and postpartum recovery. They work collaboratively with healthcare providers, offering a wide range of services that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and complications during childbirth. Research has shown that doula support can lead to shorter labor times, decreased cesarean rates, and improved overall maternal and infant outcomes.

The Fight for Doula Support

The journey to secure Medicaid coverage for doula services has been a long and arduous one. Advocates for this cause have emphasized the importance of doulas in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities, especially for low-income families and communities of color. This bill reflects the hard work of countless individuals who have been fighting for birthing peoples ability to access doula services for years.

The Impact of the New Bill

The passage of this bill is a significant step forward in making doula support accessible to all birthing people in New York State, regardless of their financial situation. By covering doula services at the highest rate in the country, New York is setting a powerful example for other states to follow suit. This legislation will not only benefit the birthing people but also the doulas themselves, as they will receive fair compensation for their essential work.

In addition to improving the financial accessibility of doula support, this bill also aims to address existing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. It acknowledges the crucial role doulas play in reducing the risk of complications and providing much-needed support to marginalized communities.

The Future of Doula Support

As New York State leads the way in prioritizing doula support for Medicaid patients, it is crucial to continue advocating for the expansion of such policies nationwide. The passage of this bill serves as a testament to the importance of doulas in the birthing process and the incredible impact they have on the lives of families.

Acknowledging the Champions of Doula Support

It is essential to express our gratitude to the tireless professionals and organizations that have worked relentlessly to make this historic win possible. In particular, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the New York Coalition for Doula Access, the core team, Maris Gelman, Patrizia Bernard, Jennifer Gonzalez, Mary-Powel Thomas, Michelle Zambrano, Alison Whitney and Veronica Zeno, which has been at the forefront of this movement.  Their advocacy, dedication, and commitment have played an instrumental role in the passage of this bill, ensuring that more birthing people have access to the invaluable support doulas provide. Additionally, we would like to recognize the legislators who have championed this cause. The unwavering determination and collaborative efforts of these individuals and organizations have paved the way for a brighter and more equitable future for doulas and the families they serve.

This is a Big Deal

The passage of this bill in New York State marks a significant victory for doulas and birthing people, especially those covered by Medicaid. By providing free doula support to medicaid clients and fair compensation for doulas, this legislation sets a new standard for how our society values the critical role of these professionals in the childbirth experience. As we celebrate this historic win, let us continue pushing for more inclusive policies and equitable access to doula services across the United States.

Expanding Doula Training to Meet the Growing Demand

In light of todays legislation, the International Doula Institute (IDI) is announcing plans to expand its doula training programs for the Spring and Summer 2023. Recognizing the need to prepare and support an increased number of doulas to accommodate the approximately 96,000 annual new Medicaid-covered clients, IDI is committed to offering comprehensive and accessible training opportunities. This initiative will build the doula workforce so that there is a sufficient number of skilled doulas to provide essential support to the growing number of birthing people now eligible for doula services. By investing in the education and development of new doulas, the International Doula Institute is playing a critical role in promoting the well-being of families and fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape for all. To enroll in our Spring or Summer Doula training sessions, please apply online or call 484-278-1648 to speak with one of our helpful admissions counselors.

The bill can be found here:  https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/resolutions/2023/r555.

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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Testimonials

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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