New York Expands Access to Doula Services and Prenatal Care

New York is enhancing access to doula services and prenatal care for expecting, birthing, and postpartum mothers.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced three major steps on Monday to improve prenatal and postpartum maternal health, starting with the expansion of doula services statewide. Hochul signed an order allowing Medicaid to cover doula services, effective immediately.

Doulas provide non-medical support, attending doctor’s appointments, offering guidance and emotional support, and assisting during labor and postpartum to ensure a smoother and safer experience. Out-of-pocket costs for these services typically range from $1,000 to $2,500.

“Doula services improve birth outcomes and provide families with emotional support during pregnancy, delivery, and following birth,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The number of Black people who die while giving birth highlights long-standing health disparities resulting from systemic racism. This is unacceptable. The State Health Department is committed to addressing these disparities, eliminating barriers to important health resources, and providing quality support like doula services, ensuring all people have safe and empowering pregnancies and deliveries.”

In another groundbreaking move, Gov. Hochul signed an order making New York the first state to offer 20 hours of paid time off for prenatal care, starting Jan. 1, 2025. This policy aims to prevent mothers from having to choose between work and necessary medical appointments.

Additionally, Hochul announced an $8 million investment to establish a maternal health center at Morris Heights Health Center in the Bronx.

Highlighting the critical role doulas play, Hochul shared a story: “A 30-year-old woman, treated last Friday, went home after having a baby. By Monday, she felt unwell. Her doctor scheduled a visit in a few days, but her doula, concerned, visited her that night. She was admitted to the ICU with congestive heart failure and spent a week there. Her life was saved because of that immediate care.”

These initiatives aim to address longstanding health disparities, particularly for Black women, who face higher maternal mortality rates.

The state health department maintains a directory of doulas and has allocated $250,000 to community-based organizations to recruit, train, and support them.

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