The following is my radio spot on WCSM Radio Spectrum January 30th, 2025. I was invited to speak to spread the word about the new Doula Licensing through the State Nursing Board effective October 3rd, 2024 and the inclusion of Doula Support under Medicaid! If you want to know all about what a Doula does and insurance stuff . . . take a read! ;)
Today we are speaking with Kimberly Oen who is the owner of Just Breathe Health and Wellness and Breathing Through Birth in Saint Mary’s. Kimberly is here because the Ohio Department of Medicaid, as part of a commitment to improve the health of pregnant women, began implementing coverage for doula services on October 3, 2024. Many people do not know what a Doula is so today we are here to learn about Kimberly, her business and these new opportunities for mothers to gain this valuable support in pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
Tell us about yourself, how you became interested in this subject and a little bit about your background.
I recently moved my health and wellness Center to Saint Mary’s in December after 11 years in the Minster/New Bremen area and I am located on the second floor of the Wilson Law building on the corner of North Front and Spring Street. Across the hall from my Center is Organic Flow Wellness, so the 2nd floor is centered on holistic health services, so it is an amazing collaboration.
Your listeners can learn more about me on my websites – www.justbreathehealthandwellness.com and I also have a website www.breathingthroughbirth.com which is dedicated to all the services I offer for mothers, from the prenatal to the postnatal stage. I am also President of Motherhood Reclaimed Ministries which I spoke about with you on Spectrum previously and actually if we have time later, I want to talk a little bit about an upcoming Moms who Mingle brunch which is also focused on educating and supporting mothers In Auglaize, Shelby and Mercer Counties.
But at my Center, Just Breathe, I offer a host of Wellness Therapies and Health Coaching opportunities for the public but found that as I was working with expecting moms that I have a passion for all things birth and babies, so that has become one division of my center. So, I began a more in-depth education and now have specialized training as a birth doula through Childbirth International as well as a lactation counselor. I have also certified as a postpartum doula and have training as a pre and postnatal fitness specialist, and as a core consultant to rehabilitate the core and pelvic floor, which is not just for pregnancy, but all women. I have a trademarked program I put together called Radically Balanced Core and additionally, I am a HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator, a registered yoga teacher and registered prenatal yoga teacher through the National Yoga Alliance. I am currently in training for Yoga Therapist and as a Naturopathic doctor. And as you can see, I am also a professional student as well!
What is a Doula?
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek word doulē, which means "woman's servant". A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother and her family. Think of a doula as a coach and advocate with your medical team. A doula is different from a mid-wife as we do not do clinical work nor actual delivery of babies.
As a Doula I support the mother with pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period up to 12 months. During moms pregnancy, we work together to define a birth plan and to prepare in all the ways that make sense for her and her family's needs, whether that is teaching her guided breathing techniques, baby re-positioning movements and tips, prenatal yoga and body balancing, and provide information about procedures and options during the birth.
During labor and birth, a doula reassures, encourages mom and helps with changing positions, again breathing, massage, relaxation, help with pain and stress during labor, and provide physical comfort. An important piece is that Doulas can advocate for the moms’ needs with hospital staff as Doula’s are not a part of the hospital staff.
If a doula is trained in breastfeeding, they would ensure after birth that mom and baby are doing well.
And then during Postpartum after babies arrive, we support families as they transition into new roles with follow-up visits in the home with whatever the mother needs.
Does the mother have to give birth in a hospital for this program?
Great question! No, doulas can support home births also.
Why has the Nursing Board and the Ohio Department of Medicaid implemented this new licensing certification?
First, I want to clarify that only Doula’s who have gone through the process of certification with the State Board of Nursing AND become an approved Medicaid Provider AND contacted with the Managed Care Organizations under Medicaid are authorized to accept Medicaid Insurance.
There are many Doula training programs around, but the Board of Nursing must approve the training. A mom of course can choose to use any Doula, but if reimbursement is critical to her then she needs to find a Certified Doula. I will talk later how to find a Certified Doula in the State of Ohio.
Research has shown that the support of a doula before, during, and after birth has been proven to improve birth outcomes and parents' satisfaction with the experience. It also reduces racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes • Fewer low birth weight babies • Fewer birth complications • Higher breastfeeding initiation rates • Higher maternal engagement in care • And Doula services are shown to be cost effective for Medicaid because there are lower pre-term birth rates and lower Cesarean section rates.
I felt it was important to become licensed because there are many mothers who may not be able to financially afford a doula but need support throughout baby’s birth. And as you can see the statistics speak for themselves when a mother has the support she needs. I feel all mothers can benefit from this support. I have supported mothers who are on their 2nd and 3rd child because they did not have the births that they wanted or suffered trauma from their previous births.
Can you explain about the Medicaid program and how you become a Certified Doula in the State of Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Medicaid is actually the largest maternity care payer in Ohio. Medicaid is a state and federally funded health care program that provides health insurance for adults and children with limited income and resources. Those in need of Medicaid, apply through their local county Job & Family Services office or online via the Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal. Once individuals are enrolled in Medicaid, they are either enrolled into managed care Organization or they will be on traditional Medicaid (also called fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid).
Ohio Medicaid has expanded coverage for pregnant women now, for up to 12 months postpartum • Individuals must be enrolled in full Medicaid for doula services to be reimbursable and it is 100% covered.
The Board of Nursing develops and processes applications for Doula Certification and then the Department of Medicaid requires this approval before a Doula can apply to become an Ohio Medicaid Provider, after which there is the process to contract with the 7 Managed Care Organizations in the State of Ohio.
How does a Member find a Certified Doula?
They can search under their Managed Care Organization. They are:
· Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
· Humana Health Horizons
· Buckeye Health Plan
· Amerihealth
· Caresource
· Molina Healthcare of Ohio
· United Healthcare Community Plan
· Or traditional Medicaid program
Search under Nursing Board for licensing in their area. https://elicense.ohio.gov/
As of this past Monday there are currently 141 Certified Doula’s in the State.
I am the only one in Auglaize County
1 Shelby
1 Mercer
However, we can cross counties depending on how far the Doula wants to travel. I cover Auglaize, Mercer and Shelby and do go a little bit into Allen County around the Lima Area.
Do any regular insurances cover Doula care?
I am finding that many HSA’s are covering Doula Care and also have recently had clients with private insurances such as Christian Healthcare cover my HypnoBirthing Childbirth Classes and Doula care so it is best to always check with your insurance.
When is the best time to find a doula?
As soon as possible in mom’s pregnancy! For a couple of reasons. I support my mom’s nutritionally and functionally, meaning bodywork, movement, yoga, educate on the changes in her body and how to best support her growing baby during her pregnancy so the earlier the better. I have specialized training in these areas so not all doulas provide the same care, so it is best to ask about the background of your doula and what their support entails.
Additionally, it is important to get on the Doulas schedule. I try not to take on too many moms with due dates close together.
So, does the Doula take the place of Dad or partner?
Absolutely not! Doulas are there to support the partners also and educate them on the best way to support the mother.
How much time with the mom and family is covered under the program?
Initially I am authorized 12 hours of visits during the pregnancy and up to 12 months after the birth. The birth is covered no matter how much time it takes. It is also possible if mom needs more to apply for more time and get preauthorized.
Let me know if you have any other questions! ;) Be well!
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