Health Net of California just announced that they will include a doula program as part of their small business medical insurance plans (1-100 employees.) The program will begin January 2025.
A doula is trained in pregnancy and childbirth and can offer valuable advice to parents, particularly first-time parents.
Let’s face it, after the excitement of childbirth in the hospital, figuring out how to care for a newborn baby is a momentous task. If people are fortunate to have experienced mothers or mothers-in-law or big sisters or anyone to show them the ropes, then they may not need a doula. That knowledge is priceless.
Now, Health Net is offering a specific program to employer-sponsored small business health plans in California that includes the services of a doula.
The Health Net flyer explains that the doula can help:
- Define and write a birth plan
- Teach about pregnancy and after birth (postpartum) matters
- Connect new parents with community resources
- Help a mother adjust to breastfeeding and offer support.
Doula’s can show new parents:
- how to bathe a newborn
- how to put on a diaper and clean a baby
- how and when to feed a newborn
- how to figure out what a baby wants when they cry
- how to sooth a crying baby
Personally, the 5 Ss to sooth a baby were a saving grace to me. They really worked. The 5 Ss are:
- Swaddling
- Shooshing
- Turning the baby on their Side
- Gently shaking or swaying
- Using a pacifier to allow the baby to suck
Apparently, the 5 Ss mimic the womb closely and reminding the baby of that safe place is very soothing and often leads to sleep and a restful parent.
Having a baby is a wonderful experience but it can also be terrifying. Health Net’s doula program is a welcome addition.
Contact your doctor, doula or seasoned mother for help with your newborn baby. Contact Benefit Café at (800)746-0045 if you would like help with your group medical insurance plan.
