Research conducted by health care insurance provider Elevance Health, Inc. found that Medicaid enrollees who received doula care were 47% less likely to have cesarean deliveries. Women with doula support also had a 29% lower risk of preterm birth and were 46% more likely to attend postpartum checkups. Doulas provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. The study analyzed Medicaid claims data from 2014 to 2023 and found that doula care was associated with reductions in maternal health risks and lower rates of cesarean deliveries, particularly in high-risk populations. This suggests that broader access to doula care could improve maternal health outcomes.
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Doula support found to be significant and impactful for Medicaid patient outcomes
