Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Distinct from midwives and obstetricians, doulas focus on non-medical care, offering comfort measures, advocacy, and personalized guidance to enhance the birthing experience.
Types of Doulas
• Birth Doulas: Offer support during labor and delivery, assisting with pain management techniques, positioning, and emotional reassurance.
• Postpartum Doulas: Provide assistance after childbirth, including newborn care, breastfeeding support, and helping families adjust to life with a new baby.
• Antepartum Doulas: Support individuals experiencing high-risk pregnancies, offering education and emotional care.
• Community-Based Doulas: Often from the same communities they serve, these doulas focus on providing culturally relevant care and support to underserved populations.
• Pregnancy Loss Doula: trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and information support to individuals and families experiencing pregnancy loss.
The growing role of doulas in Kansas
In Kansas, doulas are increasingly recognized for their positive impact on maternal and infant health. Research indicates that doula support can lead to shorter labors, reduced need for pain medication, and decreased rates of cesarean deliveries.
To facilitate access to doula care, Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) began covering doula services in July 2024. This policy change allows Medicaid beneficiaries to receive support from certified doulas during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. However, some doulas have expressed concerns about reimbursement rates and the need for more providers to meet the growing demand.
Accessing doula services in Kansas
Individuals interested in hiring a doula can utilize resources such as the Kansas Doula Directory, which connects families with certified doulas across the state. The Kansas Doula Alliance, part of the Kansas Birth Justice Society, also offers training and certification programs to expand the doula workforce and ensure equitable access to care.
Conclusion
Doulas provide invaluable support to expectant families, enhancing the childbirth experience and contributing to better health outcomes. In Kansas, efforts to integrate doula services into Medicaid and expand training opportunities are steps toward ensuring that all individuals have access to compassionate and comprehensive care during one of life’s most significant events.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.
