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Women in the U.S. are advocating for more supportive and informed birthing experiences, suggesting a noticeable shift in the way childbirth is approached in the United States. A key component of this movement is the role of doulas—professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to the birthing parent before, during, and after childbirth.
Despite the proven benefits of doulas, many pregnant women are unable to access those services, in some cases due to lack of insurance coverage. Data from The Harris Poll’s 3rd Annual State of Maternal Health In America report underscore a critical gap between the need for and access to doula services, and highlight the importance of including doula care in standard maternity insurance coverage.
Overwhelming Support for Insurance Coverage of Doula Services
Nearly three quarters of women (73%) believe that insurance companies should provide coverage for a birthing parent to employ a doula to enhance their labor and delivery experience. This percentage increases to 81% among women aged 18-34, who are more likely to be in the childbearing phase of life and are evidently recognizing the significant benefits that doulas bring to the birth experience. This strong consensus indicates a clear demand for broader access to doula services.
Usage and Benefits of Working with a Doula
Although most women support the idea of insurance-covered doula services, only about 1 in 5 women who have given birth (21%) have actually utilized a doula during childbirth. An equal proportion of women who’ve given birth (19%) expressed the desire to use a doula but inability to do so. Among the latter group, more than a third (35%) cite financial constraints/lack of insurance coverage as the reason why they were unable to incorporate a doula into their birth plan, and another 65% cite other reasons related to access and education, such as lack of available services or not knowing what a doula was.
Among those who did use a doula, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive—90% found it helpful, including half (50%) who describe the support as “very helpful.” Women aged 18-34 who’ve given birth are significantly more likely to have engaged the service of a doula (51% vs. 15% ages 35+), suggesting a generational shift and increased preference for additional supportive presence during childbirth.
The Impact of Lack of Support
The data also reveal some concerning statistics about women’s experiences during childbirth suggesting a lack of adequate support before and during delivery: 30% of women who’ve given birth felt they did not have control over their labor and delivery, and almost a quarter (23%) felt they lacked the necessary knowledge and tools for a positive delivery experience. Furthermore, 60% of women who’ve given birth say they didn’t feel as prepared for their first pregnancy as they did for subsequent ones, underlining the critical need for better preparatory support, which doulas can provide.
Improving Birth Experiences
Nearly one quarter of women who’ve given birth (23%) say having a doula or second support person would have improved their pregnancy/birth experience, jumping to 39% among women ages 18-34. Additionally, nearly 3 in 10 women who’ve given birth (29%) believe their pregnancy/birth experience would have been easier/better if they knew how to best advocate for themselves or had someone else to advocate for them. This sentiment is even stronger among younger women, with 45% of those aged 18-34 feeling this way. The presence of a doula during childbirth can fill this gap, providing much-needed guidance and advocacy that can empower the birthing parent and facilitate a more positive birthing experience.
Change Is Needed For Better Outcomes
The data speak volumes: the majority of women see the value in doula support and the desire for better access to doula services through insurance coverage is strong. Doulas not only provide important emotional and physical support, but their presence can often lead to shorter labors, fewer interventions, and a greater sense of empowerment for the birthing person [1]. As we consider the future of maternity care, it is crucial to consider systemic changes that include comprehensive support options like doulas, making them accessible to all, regardless of economic status. It’s not merely a question of comfort during childbirth; it’s a fundamental component of reproductive rights and improving outcomes for maternal health.
For more on maternal healthcare, revisit our lastest blogs:
- The Silent Struggle: Calling for Improved Maternal Mental Health & Postpartum Care
- “Back Is Best” for sleeping babies, but not for birthing moms: The critical need for better education on birthing positions
- Empowering women in maternity care: Challenging the status quo
[1] I’m an Ob-Gyn. Here’s Why I Had a Doula Help With My Delivery
