SoonerCare Covering Doula Services for Expecting Mothers

The Oklahoma Healthcare Authority announced its health coverage plan for Oklahoma residents, SoonerCare, will cover doula services for expectant mothers in the state.

According to the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, SoonerCare covered more than 27,000 births across Oklahoma in 2021, roughly about half of all births in the state.

Certified doula Dominque Zak said the service benefits expecting mothers by being their emotional, physical and educational support system through the birthing process.

"Those who choose to work with a doula are 60% less likely to ask for an epidural," Zak said. "There are a lot of moms who would like to have a non-medicated birth, so a doula is able to help moms prepare mentally for that. We have a lot of techniques to help them prepare physically for that as well."

Zak said doulas are also there for mothers during their post-partum period, as post-partum depression can continue for up to a year following birth.

According to SoonerCare, expecting mothers are eligible for up to eight doula visits per pregnancy. SoonerCare contracts with eight doula services across the state.