A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman throughout her pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. Doulas act as a facilitator between the laboring women and her physician by ensuring that the mother gets the required information to make informed decisions.

Several studies have shown that moms who have doula services during their pregnancy and delivery have fewer cesarean sections and epidural, reduced preterm birth and higher rates and longer duration of breastfeeding.

Doula care reduces healthcare costs by lowering the rate of pre-term and C-section deliveries to the tune of about $1,000 per doula-supported birth

Good news!

AHCCCS has filed a State Plan Amendment that will add coverage and payment for doula services effective October 1, 2024!  Comments are being accepted publicinput@azahcccs.gov through June 10, 2024.

We encourage you to send comments to AHCCCS in support of this evidence-based initiative that both improves birth outcomes and reduces delivery costs.

Modeling the Cost-Effectiveness of Doula Care Associated with Reductions in Preterm Birth and Cesarean Delivery – PubMed

Doula Care Reduces C-sections, Pre-term Birth & Cuts Birthing Costs by a Net $1,000

Leveraging Doulas to Improve Birth Outcomes

Doula Services Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes

Who’s a Doula?

Related Post