Health Net of California just announced that they will include a doula coverage as part of their small business medical insurance plans (1-100 employees). The program will begin January 2025.
Doula services are not normally covered by California small business health insurance plans. As this article from the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health states, “Most insurance plans require pregnant women to pay out-of-pocket for doulas… (this) has made hiring a doula affordable only for the wealthy.” That will change for those who enroll in a Health Net group medical plan for small employers.
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.
