Tea with Jodi S2-E1 - Doula Roundtable, Part 3 0f 3

The conversation centered around the professionalization and integration of doulas in the medical system. Speakers emphasized the importance of doulas in improving birth experiences, lowering cesarean rates, and creating positive trends in the birth industry. They also discussed the economic factors driving the increase in cesarean sections and the need for a comprehensive approach to evidence-based birth practices that balances medical expertise with empowered motherhood. Speakers highlighted the importance of prioritizing birthing persons' autonomy and informed decision-making, and raised concerns about the medical establishment's control over birth.

Summary

• Midwifery care in the US, including legal and access issues. 0:08

  • Midwives in the US must work under an OBGYN's supervision, even in home births.

  • Other countries have government-funded health insurance that covers midwifery care, which is cheaper and healthier for low-risk pregnancies.

  • Speaker 4 shares their experience with home births in Alabama, mentioning the lack of access to obstetric care and the importance of midwives.

  • Speaker 4 reveals that they did not know home births were illegal in Alabama until their first birth, which was not a legal home birth.

• Birth centers, insurance coverage, and advocacy. 5:55

  • Speaker 5 discusses the legal and financial challenges of running a birth center, including Kaiser's involvement and the potential for mismanagement.

  • Speaker 2 shares the story of two birth centers in North Carolina that went out of business due to financial difficulties, highlighting the importance of stable funding sources.

  • Speaker 2 laments lack of success for freestanding birth centers in North Carolina, despite client demand.

  • Doula Kimberly empowers clients by helping them navigate insurance coverage for out-of-hospital births.

• Challenges in the birth industry, including insurance and postpartum care. 10:57

  • Jodi Graves and Speaker 2 discuss insurance challenges in alternative birthing, including TRICARE pilot program issues.

  • Speaker 2 discusses challenges with TRICARE reimbursement for doula services, citing undervalued work and volume-based compensation.

  • Speaker 2 advocates for doula coverage in state insurance and private insurance, seeking pay equality and proper compensation for services.

  • Jodi Graves wants to improve postpartum care, particularly the first 6 weeks after giving birth, where people are often left without support.

  • Graves aims to make an impact by providing clinical eyes on people during the critical early parenting period, addressing the black hole of healthcare.

• Providing continuity of care and community support for new parents. 18:07

  • Lactation consultant offers free classes and support to new parents.

  • Doula group focuses on building community and support for new and expectant parents.

• Postpartum care and education. 22:35

  • Speaker 2 aims to create a one-stop shop for prenatal and postpartum care, integrating providers like pelvic floor therapists and chiropractors.

  • Speaker 2 also hosts community events on car seat safety and baby wearing education, providing free resources to the community.

  • Speaker 6 emphasizes the importance of postpartum education, highlighting society's lack of focus on this critical period.

• Postpartum education and support for new mothers. 27:19

  • Speaker 6 emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding learning period.

  • Prenatal education should include grandparents to provide a supportive community for new mothers.

  • Speaker 6 emphasizes the importance of thriving, not just surviving, for families and birthing people.

  • Jodi Graves appreciates the guests' time and looks forward to hearing about their agencies' progress in the future.

 

Link: Michigan Family Doulas

Participants:

Lacey Morgan - founder of King of Prussia Doulas

Kymberly Fleming - founder of Redwood Doulas, provides doula support in California and Washington

Aida Algarin - founder of Central Carolina Doulas, providing services to military families in North Carolina

Celeste Kraft - Michigan Southeast Based Agency Owner

Tracy Abney - founder of Rocket City Doulas, offers support from pregnancy to postpartum in North Alabama

Transcripts: Doula 'Roundtable' Conversation, segment 3 of 3