Title: Reconsidering Prenatal Support: The Case for Employer-Provided Doula Services
Cynthia McEwen serves as the VP of People and Head of DE&I at Progyny, a women's health benefits company. Over the past two decades, the United States has grappled with a severe maternal health crisis. Data from the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that maternal mortality rates have skyrocketed for most demographics since 1999, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women facing the most significant burden.
In this context, doulas have become integral to equitable maternal healthcare. These birthing professionals offer physical, emotional, and educational support to expectant mothers, making them indispensable companions during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
Recently, businesses have recognized the importance of supporting employees through major life milestones, and maternal healthcare is no exception. According to a Dynata survey commissioned by Progyny, nearly 70% of HR and benefits managers see women's health benefits as crucial for employee retention. Offering doula benefits is now an effective way for organizations to promote inclusivity and bridge gaps in maternal healthcare.
My Personal Maternal Care Experience
Having my third child brought home the importance of doula support for many of my friends and colleagues who had sought their services. My delivering obstetrician was part of a rotation and had little prior knowledge of me or my medical history. During labor, administering the anesthesia proved difficult, leading to a natural birth that I was inadequately prepared for. I consequently lost consciousness upon delivering, and my newborn was taken away, only to be returned once I regained consciousness. The medical staff paid scant attention to my needs, and I felt isolated, abandoned, and traumatized.
Doulas as Advocates for Maternal Healthcare
Doulas are not merely birth coaches; they are multifaceted advocates who empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about their birthing experience. They act as liaisons between patients and medical providers, ensuring that people's voices are heard, their questions are answered, and their preferences are respected.
Doula support is invaluable for several reasons:
- Reducing Health Complications: Research has shown that families with doula support may experience fewer medical interventions, including reduced rates of C-sections. In fact, doula care is associated with a 39% decrease in the likelihood of a C-section and a 15% increase in spontaneous vaginal births1.
- Access to Culturally Competent Care: By offering culturally competent doula services, organizations can help decrease the risk of birth complications for their employees. This also allows them to bridge the gap between employees from marginalized backgrounds and healthcare providers.
- Individualized Support: Doulas build a lasting, one-on-one relationship with their clients, providing emotional support and practical guidance during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This allows families to create a birth plan that aligns with their values and preferences.
- Support for Partners: Doula services extend beyond the mother to the birthing partner, providing emotional support, guidance, and practical advice to prepare everyone for potential pregnancy and childbirth challenges.
Selecting the right doula benefit package for your employees is crucial. It should provide comprehensive support from prenatal care through postpartum visits and include access to diverse, culturally competent doulas who can meet your employees' varied needs.
Offering doula services in employee benefits packages sends a powerful message of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access that goes beyond the birthing experience itself. By providing expert support during one of life's most transformative moments and bridging gaps in maternal care, organizations can foster a culture of genuine care, reduce healthcare costs, and promote workplace loyalty.
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Cynthia McEwen, as the VP of People and Head of DE&I at Progyny, played a significant role in commissioning a Dynata survey that revealed the importance of women's health benefits for employee retention.
The recognition of the importance of doula support in maternal healthcare has led many organizations, including those guided by Cynthia McEwen, to include doula benefits in their employee benefits packages.
