Birthing people with doula support experience

41%

lower odds of cesarean rate in Medicaid-Reimbursed births

(Kozhimannil et al., 2013. Am J Public Health)

60%

lower odds of developing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder

(Eastburn et al., 2024. Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health).

22%

lower odds of preterm birth

(Kozhimannil et al., 2016. Birth)

Evidence shows that having doulas in the healthcare system, particularly for families who use Medicaid, leads to substantial healthcare cost savings.

$838.6M

Estimated yearly potential cost-savings of prevented non-indicated c-sections among medicaid-insured births

$1.6B

Estimated yearly potential cost-savings of avoided premature infant hospitalizations for medicaid-insured births

Research backed benefits associated with doula support

FOR the birthing person AND their BABY

• Higher patient satisfaction

• Shorter labors

• Lower risk of preterm birth, postpartum depression

• Lower risk of unnecessary interventions

  • C-sections

  • Inductions

  • Labor augmentation

  • Epidurals

  • Assisted vaginal deliveries

• Higher infant APGAR scores (and lower NICU admission risk)

• Higher breastfeeding initiation rates

Citations for these points are available upon request.

FOR HOSPITALS, CLINICAL PROVIDERS AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

• Lower average cost of care

• Higher patient retention for future pregnancies and other services moving forward

• Opportunity to acquire new patients or members

• Reduced workload for nurses and frontline providers with many simultaneous responsibilities

Citations for these points are available upon request.