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Nurture KC has provided doula services to our Healthy Start moms for nearly two years. Our doula initiative has resulted in 54 Healthy Start moms receiving doula care as part of our comprehensive approach to improving birth outcomes for moms and babies. Doulas help guide families through a safe, healthy and happy pregnancy, delivery and postpartum experience, serving as advocates at every step of the process. Evidence shows that the presence of a doula lowers unnecessary interventions at birth, including fewer c-sections. From an equity standpoint, doulas greatly assist Black and Brown mothers navigate a system that often puts them at a disadvantage.
Pregnant women in Kansas now have access to doula coverage as part of the menu of covered Medicaid services. Accomplished via a state plan amendment to Medicaid, The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recognized and acted upon the need for doula care as a key service in improving birth outcomes in Kansas. Doula coverage begins with enrollments occurring on or after June 1, 2024 for pregnant women in Medicaid. This is a cultural sea-change from just a few years ago when there was resistance and lack of understanding around the vital role that doulas play.
Nurture KC will continue to provide doula services for our participants as many are not Medicaid-eligible. State and local efforts are vital to extending the social safety net and prioritizing our mothers and babies.
Tracy Russell
Executive Director, Nurture KC
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