RCHF and IEHP have partnered to support IEHP members with a doula through pregnancy.
Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) partnered in August 2019 to provide pregnant IEHP members with a doula – a trained childbirth professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and after childbirth through its Doula Access Program (DAP)
DAP welcomed its first baby in January 2020. Monique Flowers, member of DAP was full-term and gave birth to a baby girl weighing in at 7lbs and 13 oz.
“My mom was coming from Vegas so to have [my doula] there was wonderful,” shared Monique, whose doula arrived at the hospital before she even did. “[My doula] soothed me through the contractions and was teaching me different breathing techniques.”
Monique was referred to the Doula Access Program by a Registered Nurse (RN) that noticed she did not have support. Research suggests that the emotional, physical, and informational support doulas provide, contribute to reduced birth complications and fewer need for clinical procedures during labor and birth, according to a study in the Journal of Perinatal Education.
Having one-to-one continuous support has been statistically proven to help decrease the chance of cesarean birth by 25 percent, increase spontaneous vaginal birth by 8 percent and help to shorten labors, among many other benefits, according to the Cochrane review on the use of continuous support for women during childbirth.
The collaboration between RCHF and IEHP has continued despite the COVID-19 threat. Procedures have been modified to protect members but also still allow for the important care and support of a doula.
“COVID-19 has been challenging to birthing folks,” said Deidre Coutsoumpos, CD(DONA), CE(BFW), ICCE, CLEC Senior Health Educator for Riverside Community Health Foundation and lead for the Doula Access Program. “Our doulas have been very adaptable with their support and have customized their prenatal practice to meet families’ comfort levels.”
Each family has an option to have in person meetings or meet over a digital platform. There are a limited number of hospitals in the Inland Empire allowing the laboring person to have two support people.
For families delivering in other places, our doulas are providing virtual support through texting, phone calls, and video chats once they check-in to the hospital.
Doulas are essential to help minimize fear and anxiety. Their role will be even more pertinent during the pandemic.
“Doulas have been perceived to be a luxury or a privilege for those who have a lot of disposable income,” said Deidre Coutsoumpos, CD(DONA), CE(BFW), ICCE, CLEC Senior Health Educator for Riverside Community Health Foundation and lead for the Doula Access Program. “The Doula Access Program will completely cover the cost of a doula through IEHP. This will afford lower income families this necessary support without compromising their budgets.”
As of September 2020, the Doula Access Program has provided birth support for 126 mothers and a total of 87 babies – including one set of twins.
Additionally, in support of mothers, RCHF is hosting a FREE virtual Maternal Wellness Retreat this Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 2PM to 5PM. The retreat is geared towards families who are pregnant and or with small children. The event will focus on rest, recreation, emotional and mental restoration. Registration is required at www.rchf.org/mwr
Media Contact: Anna Holbrook at Anna@rchf.org or (951) 788-3471 ext. 115
