Moda Health now covers birth doula services for eligible members enrolled in medical benefits through the Public Employees Benefit Board (PEBB).

What's covered?

PEBB members can have prenatal, labor, and postpartum support service provided by Birth Doula, covered up to a maximum dollar amount of $3760. Members may be responsible for any charges above that amount. It is suggested that you discuss pricing with your Birth Doula.

Maternity services are usually billed as a global charge. This is a lump sum charge for maternity care that includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and post-delivery care.

This benefit is only eligible for members enrolled in medical benefits through the Public Employees Benefit Board (PEBB).

What is a doula?

A doula is a member of the care team that provides non-medical support to birthing parents and families throughout the stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum. Having the additional emotional, physical, and educational support of a doula enables birthing parents to have a more safe, memorable, and empowering birth experience.

Doulas provide a variety of services throughout and after pregnancy. Prenatal visits may include:

• Discussing birth preferences
• Providing evidence-based information
• Learning labor positions
• Practicing coping techniques.

During labor, a doula can support with various comfort measures such as breathing, position changes to aid with pain management; and emotional support. Postpartum support may include non-medical newborn care, infant feeding education, physical recovery assistance, emotional support, or help with light household tasks.

Why seek a doula?

No two pregnancies are the same and everyone may be facing different circumstances. No matter your age, location, experience or support system, there are many advantages of using a doula.

While childbirth is a very natural process, it is not without risk. Doulas help reduce the need for cesarean birth, shorten the length of labor and/or decrease the need for medical interventions like medication (if desired) or invasive procedures. They also can provide tools to birthing parents to aid in their communication with their medical team prior, during and after their pregnancy. Doula services promote birthing choice and lead to positive birth outcomes for both parent and infant.

How to choose a doula?

Selecting a doula is a highly personal decision. Consider compatibility, comfort level, and any specialized skills you are seeking during and after your pregnancy.

Here are some tips to help you select a doula:

• Compile a list of priorities and concerns about your pregnancy and birth.
• Set up an interview and ask about things like availability, how they handle conflict with medical providers, or what type of support they provide.
• Afterwards, ask yourself if this person makes you feel heard and supported? Can you spend long lengths of time with them? Do they understand and respect your priorities?

A great place to start is by visiting the Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) website at traditionalhealthworkerregistry.oregon.gov/Search. Select Birth Doula under the Certification Type drop-down.

Questions? We're here to help.

For questions, call the Moda 360 Health Navigator team at 844-776-1593 or email PEBBcustomerservice@modahealth.com.