Add birth doula support to the list of services covered by Medicaid!

Doula* support would be a huge benefit for the 47% of New York State babies whose births are covered by Medicaid, and it would also save taxpayers money. Research shows that doulas reduce the rate of C-sections and other expensive medical interventions, while improving the quality of the family's birth experience and the health of the baby.  This is one case where the right thing for families is also the right thing for New York State's bottom line. Please help persuade the Medicaid Redesign Team that doulas are important for ALL women and babies, not just those who can afford to pay for them.  After all, why should your birth outcome depend on your income?

* A doula is a trained professional who supports a mother and her family during labor and the delivery of her baby. Studies show that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, and babies are healthier and more likely to breastfeed.

For more information, contact doulasforall@gmail.com