As more expectant mothers desire doula support through pregnancy, a major health insurance company is moving to expand the scope of its coverage.

UnitedHealthcare has enhanced most of its plans with doula coverage. The non-medical support professionals provide holistic care that spans before, during and after pregnancy. The International Doula Institute finds that the demand for these workers grew by 8% in 2025.

Ana Rodney, director of advocacy and public policy for the Doula Alliance of Maryland, said the trend for more doula coverage comes as people try to grapple with the United States’ high maternal mortality rate.

"What you’re seeing," she said, "is legislators, companies and organizations, institutions, starting to really understand the role of a doula and how it can affect these outcomes that we are all working hard to eradicate."

According to the Commonwealth Fund, Maryland reported more than 30 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 births.

Dr. Lisa Saul, chief medical director of women’s health for UnitedHealthcare, said doulas don’t replace doctors, but they can be a vital part of the care team.

"Doulas can be a really wonderful extra set of eyes and ears," she said, "and a conduit for providing communication between the patient and her provider, often times, when it's a stressful situation."

As many as 6% of women seek out doula care during their pregnancies and post-partum, according to the National Institutes of Health.

UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on health care.

Source: Public News Service