What is a doula?

Trained and certified doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support before, during, and after childbirth to help ensure that your experience is as healthy and positive as possible. A doula works directly for you. While they do not provide medical care, doulas complement clinical care by helping people in a variety of ways. They can:

• Answer questions about birthing options so you can make informed and empowered decisions
• Teach you how to communicate effectively with your healthcare providers
• Offer suggestions and physical support to ease discomfort during labor
• Offer compassionate presence and continuity of care during loss or unexpected outcomes
• Provide reassurance and encouragement during labor and delivery
• Help ensure that your birthing partner knows how to support you—and feels supported as well
• Help explain medical procedures so you know what is happening and why
• Provide support as you adjust to your new role (or newly expanded role) as a parent

Why families choose doula support

Birth can be empowering, and it can also be unpredictable. Research has associated doula care with positive experiences and outcomes:

• Studies show that continuous labor support from doulas can reduce the rate of C-section deliveries, improve newborn health assessment scores, and enhance the overall childbirth experience.¹
• One observational study showed that doula-assisted births were linked to lower risks of giving birth to low birthweight babies, fewer birth complications, and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation.¹

“Having a doula made me feel informed, grounded, and supported.”

Our Belonging & Inclusion Manager Jenny Bautista-Ravreby is grateful for the support BCBSRI offers as both a BCBSRI member and employee. Jenny says her doula helped her prepare throughout her pregnancy, was present at the hospital, stayed with her and her husband through labor and delivery, and checked in with her at home after birth. 

“I don’t spend much time in a hospital and it’s always felt really intimidating,” she shared. “Being able to have someone who knows their way around, knows the staff, and can speak the medical language made a huge difference.”

Beyond the day of birth, Jenny built a lasting relationship with her doula—keeping in touch, sharing resources, and even bumping into each other around town. When Jenny became pregnant again, she knew exactly who she wanted by her side. She also credits her BCBSRI coverage with making doula care more accessible.  

Her advice to other birthing people: Consider a doula if you want a steady, knowledgeable advocate on your team—someone focused on you, your partner, and your experience from pregnancy through postpartum.

Your BCBSRI plan may help pay for a doula

Many BCBSRI members have doula coverage, including members in fully insured plans purchased through an employer, directly from BCBSRI, or through HealthSource RI. Not sure what kind of plan you have? Check your benefits materials or call the Customer Service number on the back of your member ID card.