CINCINNATI — Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That’s why some are using doulas, professional labor assistants who offer pregnancy, birth and postpartum services. Ohio lawmakers are working to help mothers-in-need cover the cost.
Sirah Cross, a mother of three, has had her share of challenges when giving birth.
“Despite even having support from my husband and mother, my first two births just didn’t go as I felt like they should go,” she said.
So for her third pregnancy, she decided to hire Sesheta Tafari, Doula and Owner of Me & She Doula Services. Me & She offers educational, physical, emotional and mental support during and after the pregnancy.
“Even though I do my research and I do my education, there were things that she brought up that I didn’t even know to even look into or research,” she said.
Cross said the help and support helped her relieve stress and anxiety, unlike before when she struggled with postpartum depression for more than a year and a half.
“I noticed with my third child that it went away probably within that first three to six months I was able to get back to myself and get back to feeling good,” she said.
House Bill 142 is looking to help mothers like Cross. It’s a bill, that if approved, would allow doula services to be covered by Medicaid. Tafari says on average doula services cost anywhere between $800 to $1,500 out of pocket.
“Having Medicaid being able to cover those fees would definitely increase accessibility to this very much-needed service,” she said.
The Ohio House unanimously passed the bill and it is waiting to be voted on by the Senate. Cross believes doula services should be covered by Medicaid because it’s a life-changer.
“There’s nothing like having somebody who is a woman who also understands what your birth needs are and is there to help facilitate that for you when you are under the influence of hormones and emotions,” said Cross.
