Virtual doulas reduce the chances of a cesarean section (C-section) and improve birth experiences at rates that are “comparable” to in-person doula care, a recent study discovered. Doulas provide emotional, physical and informational support to mothers during the prenatal, birth and postpartum periods.
The peer-reviewed study was published by Maven Clinic in Obstetrics and Gynecology. New York City-based Maven Clinic is a virtual clinic for women that offers virtual doula support, along with other services for maternity, fertility, parenting and menopause. It serves payers and employers. The study analyzed data from 9,000 Maven patients.
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It found that attending at least two virtual doula appointments decreased the chances of a C-section by nearly 20%. For those who previously had a C-section, the odds decreased by more than 60%.
Black mothers in particular saw a reduction in C-section rates, with a nearly 60% decreased chance of a C-section after at least two virtual doula appointments.
This is “remarkable given the fact that people who are Black are usually operated on more,” said Dr. Neel Shah, chief medical officer of Maven Clinic, in an interview. “The C-section rate is higher for Black people, so the fact that we saw a larger odds reduction was really encouraging.” Shah added that while he expected to see improvements with virtual doula support, he didn’t expect this magnitude.
In addition, virtual doula care was associated with more positive birthing experiences, such as being able to decide on a birthing preference, learning medically accurate information on pregnancy and receiving support for anxiety or depression during pregnancy.
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These findings are similar to rates discovered in previous literature that looked at the effect of in-person doula care on C-sections, the report stated. Shah noted that while in-person doula support is “wonderful,” it’s not affordable or accessible for the majority of Americans. Virtual doulas can also provide care more immediately.
“Because of the way that our platform works, you can meet with a doula pretty much anytime you want no matter where you are,” Shah said. “That’s the real benefit of the virtual service. It’s the fact that you don’t have to schedule an appointment weeks out. At the actual moment where you have a question or a need, you can reach out and have somebody who’s there.”
He added that the findings show the need to “find mechanisms to reimburse doulas and ensure they’re being paid fairly for their work.” While doulas present numerous benefits to maternal health outcomes, there is very little insurance coverage for their services. The healthcare industry also has to enable access to support beyond in-person given the limited supply of doulas in the U.S., Shah said.
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