Creating an impactful family benefits package can set a business apart, and finding the right mix is ever-evolving for both HR leaders and benefit providers.
At Stork Club, which provides a suite of
Professionally trained doulas provide non-clinical physical, emotional and educational support for mothers and their partners during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum stage. Research has shown that the presence of a doula can help shorten labor time, reduce stress and anxiety during delivery and result in fewer medical interventions. Further, Stork Club found that the use of its doula care benefit was associated with a 45% reduction in unnecessary C-sections and a 58% reduction in preterm births, compared to national averages.
"Including access to doulas in an overall health plan is actually walking the talk," says Jeni Mayorskaya, founder and CEO of Stork Club. "We are thrilled to bring this solution to the world because it is so impactful, especially right now with the rising maternity health care inequity crisis."
The support of a doula can be particularly powerful for women in the BIPOC community, where maternal mortality rates are climbing at a disproportionate rate, and women and their babies are statistically more likely to experience negative health outcomes. According to the National Health Law Program, a growing number of states now provide Medicaid coverage for doula care in an effort to improve maternal health outcomes and address the racial disparities that exist.
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In addition to positive trends in health outcomes, doulas can act as a social support, too. In today's workforce, many women lack a close network to help them through the stages of pregnancy and postpartum care —
"We've created a system that really does not make space for childbearing," says Ellen Tilden, clinical scientist and associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University, and clinical director, maternity at Stork Club. "A doula is one option to bring in somebody who is focused on the emotional and educational needs of a person, and to be a partner or guide and offer companionship."
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Large companies such as Microsoft, CVS Health and Walmart have made financial assistance for doula care part of their benefits offerings, but Stork Club's benefit solution is the first to provide a managed doula program that employers can directly integrate into their sponsored health plans. With better clinical outcomes and reduction in overall
"It's not necessarily the numbers, but the member experience that is critical to building a great company culture where people feel supported," Mayorskaya says. "This type of thoughtful, comprehensive support of people's reproductive healthcare is becoming a must-have."
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Expanding traditional maternal care to include doula support is the next phase of providing health and wellness benefits for women and families, Tilden says. Plus, this benefit shows that employers are invested in providing a compassionate resource for those going through the stages of childbirth.
"Adding this benefit is a clear articulation of valuing and protecting your childbearing employees' well-being," says Tilden. "It's an investment that says, 'We need you whole to build the life that you want as a family, but also then to come back and contribute to the mission and focus of the organization.'"
