The benefits of having a doula are well-documented. “Doulas in this day and age are really important,” said Lisa L. Saul, MD, MBA, a maternal-fetal medicine physician executive with UnitedHealthcare, which is now offering doula support benefits to its members.
A doula is a non-medical, trained birthing professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to an expecting mom before, during, and after childbirth. A doula can help support the birthing and postpartum experience by offering comfort, clarity, and resources for decision-making along the journey. The cost of a doula in Minnesota ranges from $800 to $3000, according to doulamatch.net.
Having a doula present during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum leads to significantly improved health outcomes. The American Pregnancy Association reports a 50% decrease in overall cesarean delivery rates, a 57.5% reduction in postpartum depression and anxiety, and increased rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration.
For women who do not have family or a support system nearby, a doula can also be both comforting and critical. “We have a lot of people having babies now who don’t have the benefit of aunties, grandmothers, or godmothers who have (historically) been a part of a village of people supporting the birthing person and her family and other children,” Saul added.
While there is no federal or state licensing mandate for doulas, most pursue formal certification to build knowledge, credibility, hospital privileges, and to qualify for health insurance and Medicaid reimbursement. More specifically, doulas learn the mechanics of the position, which includes understanding the stages of labor, fetal positioning, and the postpartum body and nursing mechanics. They also master physical support techniques like breathing exercises, labor positioning, and massage. Active listening is also a core technique that gives the patient added autonomy and power in the full scope of their maternal care.
“They know what postpartum depression looks like and they know the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia, for example, so they can help guide that patient to the appropriate health care professional if needed,” Saul explained.
Along with expertise, doulas also act as advocates for women who don’t always feel listened to when it comes to their health. According to Psychology Today, 93% of women aged 25 to 34 reported feeling dismissed, not listened to, or felt their symptoms were downplayed at some point during their healthcare journeys. “Some black women go into their pregnancy just hoping to come out alive at the end of it,” Saul added.
Starting in 2026, UnitedHealthcare is offering doula support to eligible members who can choose any trained doula they prefer for services during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, and then submit receipts for reimbursement up to the amount covered by their plan.
To learn more about doula benefits from UnitedHealthcare, go here.
