Almost 50 percent of HR professionals plan to increase family health benefits in the next two to three years, according to virtual women and family clinic Maven’s 2024 State of Fertility & Family Benefits report. Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of employers acknowledged that family benefits are essential to their current and prospective employees. It’s clear that workers’ needs and desires for reproductive health benefits are increasing, and many employers are matching that with expanded benefits. One such benefit is doula care, which can significantly enhance employee health and well-being, particularly for those expecting a child.
This article explores doula care, its positive impacts on employees and employers, and employer considerations for offering this reproductive health benefit.
Doula Care Overview
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Unlike medical professionals like obstetricians and midwives, doulas do not perform clinical tasks. Instead, they focus on the nonmedical aspects of childbirth, offering reassurance, comfort, and advocacy. Doulas can also use their experience to help parents navigate the medical system.
During childbirth, doulas are in constant and close proximity to the pregnant parent. They can provide comfort with pain-relief techniques, such as breathing techniques and laboring positions, and offer reassurance. Overall, doulas advocate for pregnant people by encouraging and helping them fulfill their specific desires for their labor and delivery experience. Their presence can significantly affect the birth experience and outcomes for the birthing parent and baby. However, the cost of doula care can be expensive for expecting parents and is generally paid for out of pocket. The cost varies by location, the doula’s experience, and the specific desired services, but patients can expect to pay between $800 and $2,500 for doula support.
The Importance of Doula Care
Both employees and employers are recognizing the importance of doula care. This type of support is becoming more popular because of its benefits to pregnant employees, which include the following:
Maternity care gap coverage
The March of Dimes estimates that 5.6 million women live in U.S. counties with little or no access to maternity care. Doulas can fill in those gaps and help pregnant people navigate their prenatal and postpartum journeys.
Improved birth outcomes
Research has shown that continuous support from a doula can lead to better birth outcomes, including lower rates of cesarean sections, reduced need for pain relief medication and shorter labor times. These positive outcomes contribute to the overall health and well-being of the parent and child.
Enhanced emotional well-being
Pregnancy and childbirth can be emotionally challenging. Doulas provide a constant source of emotional support, helping to alleviate anxiety and fear. This emotional stability is crucial for a positive birth experience and can aid in the prevention of postpartum depression and other serious complications.
Personalized care
Doulas tailor their support to the specific needs and preferences of the pregnant person, ensuring a personalized birth experience. This individualized care helps birthing parents feel more empowered and in control during childbirth.
Postpartum support
The benefits of doula care extend beyond childbirth. Postpartum doulas assist new parents with the transition into parenthood, offering support with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional adjustment. This ongoing support can be invaluable during the critical postpartum period.
Employers are also finding value in offering related benefits. Here are ways that doula care benefits can positively impact the workplace and overall organization:
Enhanced employee well-being
Offering doula benefits demonstrates a company’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its employees. By supporting employees during a significant life event, employers can foster a more compassionate and caring work environment.
Reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs
Better birth outcomes and postpartum support can lead to faster recovery times and reduced complications, which, in turn, can decrease absenteeism and healthcare costs. Employees who feel supported are also more likely to return to work sooner and with greater focus and productivity.
Increased employee retention and attraction
Competitive benefits packages that include doula care can be a significant factor in attracting and retaining top talent. In a job market where employees value work-life balance and holistic support, doula benefits can set an employer apart.
Employer Considerations for Doula Benefits
The Business Group’s 2023 Large Employers’ Health Care Strategy and Plan Design Survey found that 12 percent of employers offered birth doula services to expectant parents in 2022, and 27 percent considered doing so for 2024-25. For example, Walmart has been expanding its family-planning benefits and, in its most recent move, allowing most employees to see a doula during their pregnancy and be reimbursed up to $1,000.
As family-planning benefits continue to trend, employers can consider several ways to incorporate doula care into their benefits plans, including:
Direct coverage
Employers can include doula services in their medical plans. This can cover the cost of hiring a doula, making them accessible to all employees. Some benefits providers may even offer a managed doula program that employers can directly integrate into their sponsored health plans.
Reimbursement programs
Employers can offer a reimbursement program where employees can claim expenses related to doula care. This approach provides flexibility and ensures that employees using doula services are financially supported.
Partnerships with doula organizations
Employers can establish partnerships with local or national doula organizations to provide employees with easy access to qualified doulas and offer discounted rates for services.
Educational resources
Employers can provide educational resources and workshops on the advantages of doula care. This can help employees make informed decisions and understand the value of this type of support.
Summary
Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of reproductive health benefits for their workforce. Offering doula benefits is a forward-thinking approach that can yield significant advantages for employees and employers. By investing in the well-being of employees during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, organizations can enhance overall health outcomes, reduce costs, and create a more supportive and inclusive work environment. As the understanding of holistic employee support continues to grow, offering doula benefits is not just a perk but a way to help support a healthier and happier workforce.
© 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
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