Doulas
What is a doula?
A trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth.
What is Medicaid?
A joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.
Which racial group has the highest rate of Severe maternal morbidity?
African American Women
True or false: Brian is a married, expectant father, and can benefit from doula services
TRUE. (Guidance on supporting their partner, improved bonding with baby, reduced stress and anxiety, emotional support, improved health communication)
True or False: Doulas can help deliver babies
False. Doulas are not medical professionals.
True or False: Texas currently has implemented doula services in Medicaid
FALSE
Define Severe Maternal Morbidity
The unintended outcome of labor and delivery that results in significant consequences to a mother’s health
During labor, Tasha feels rushed into a C-section she doesn’t fully understand. How could a doula help in that moment?
By explaining options, advocating for clear communication from providers, and ensuring Tasha feels informed and respected in her decisions.
Name one benefit of having a doula during childbirth
Lower cesarean rates, less stress, higher maternal satisfaction, and improved birth outcomes
Name one state that currently has doula services implemented in Medicaid
Florida, California, Oklahoma, Oregon , Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Maryland, Nevada, Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado
What are the two criteria to screen for SMM?
1. Transfusion of 4 or more units of blood an
2. Admission of a pregnant or postpartum woman to an ICU.
Maya, A pregnant teen, hides her pregnancy from her family due to fear of judgment. What issues/ stressors could a doula help address?
Isolation, stigma, lack of support (doula provides a safe, nonjudgmental space and builds trust).
Women with doulas are more likely to attend a postpartum checkup
a)46%
b)73%
c)29%
a) 46%
What percentage of births does Medicaid finance?
a) 97%
b) 42%
c) 33%
b) 42%
What is the Texas SMM rate?
85.5 cases per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations
Sara, a first-time mother, reports high anxiety and distrust of medical staff due to past discrimination. How might a doula help rebuild her confidence in the birth process?
Validating her concerns, offering emotional support, and empowering her to advocate for her preferences during prenatal visits and labor.
What are two common barriers preventing women from accessing doula care?
Cost (lack of insurance coverage), lack of awareness, geographic access,
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What is the SMM Rate for Non-Hispanic Black women?
134.4 cases per 10,000 delivery hospitalizations
Imani, a 25-year-old mother on Medicaid, lives in a rural town with only one OB-GYN. What is one unique challenge she might face? How can a doula help to support that challenge?
challenges: limited provider access, long travel times, isolation, less prenatal care.
Doula support: emotional reassurance, virtual check-ins, birth planning, and helping navigate limited healthcare options.