UnitedHealthcare expands care and comfort for expecting families through doula support

UnitedHealthcare recently announced the national expansion of its doula offering nationwide so that more members can get personalized pregnancy and postpartum support through their employer-sponsored health plans. The benefit aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by giving more people access to non-clinical emotional, physical, and educational support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

“A doula is someone trained to support the person giving birth before, during, and after delivery,” said Dr. Lisa Saul, Chief Medical Officer of Women’s Health for UnitedHealthcare. “They don’t replace medical care; they complement it. That support can look like helping you prepare questions before a prenatal visit, explaining what’s happening during labor in plain language, offering reassurance when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure, and supporting recovery and adjustment after birth.”

Pregnancy often comes with a long list of appointments, decisions, and logistics — but the emotional weight behind it isn’t always as visible. That uncertainty is something many people quietly experience, even if they don’t always say it out loud.

“Pregnancy comes with plenty of checklists. Appointments, registries, planned leave. It also comes with a lot of questions people don’t always talk about. Is this normal? Should I be worried? Who do I call when something just doesn’t feel right?” Saul said.

Even with more information available than ever, Saul noted that access doesn’t always equal clarity. 

“Between late-night scrolling, advice from well-meaning friends, and information overload online, it can be hard to know where to turn,” she said. “What people don’t always realize is that their health plan may already include more support during pregnancy and after birth than they’re using.”

That gap between needing support and not always knowing where to find it is what programs like doula care are trying to address. That idea of support isn’t new, but it has shifted over time.

“For much of history, pregnancy and recovery weren’t meant to be handled alone,” she said. “In many cultures, new parents were surrounded by family and community — people who helped with meals, checked in emotionally, and made space for rest and healing. These traditions recognized that recovery takes time and that support plays a critical role in health.”

As modern life has changed, many parents no longer have that same built-in network.

“Today, many parents are navigating pregnancy while juggling work, caregiving, and everyday life, often without that same support system,” Saul said. “It’s no surprise that this time can feel overwhelming, isolating, or stressful, especially when everything feels new and high stakes.”

This lack of steady support isn’t just emotional — it’s often linked to physical health outcomes as well.

“Support isn’t just nice to have, but it’s part of staying well,” Saul said.

That’s where expanded access to doulas and related services comes in. UnitedHealthcare is encouraging members to take a closer look at what their health plans already offer, starting with the basics.

“Even if you’ve been on the same plan for years, it’s worth taking a fresh look,” she said. “Understanding basics like copays, deductibles, and which providers are in-network can help prevent surprises later. It may reveal benefits you didn’t know were there.”

Consistent prenatal care plays a major role in identifying potential issues early.

“Regular prenatal visits and screenings can catch potential concerns early, often before they become serious,” she said. “Starting early gives your care team the full picture and can help give you peace of mind along the way.”

Alongside in-person care, Saul pointed to virtual services as another way support is becoming more accessible.

“Life doesn’t pause just because you’re expecting,” she said. “Many health plans now offer virtual prenatal support, mental health counseling, and lactation services. That means you can get answers or reassurance without waiting for an in-person appointment when you need it most.”

Research supports the value of this layered approach to care.

“Studies show that people with doula support are less likely to experience complications, significantly less likely to experience anxiety and depression after birth, and more likely to breastfeed successfully,” Saul said.

Research has also linked doula support to reduced preterm births, fewer cesarean deliveries, higher breastfeeding rates, and improved patient satisfaction, along with a reported 57% decrease in postpartum anxiety and depression among those with access to services.

More broadly, those with doula support often describe feeling more informed and less alone during the process.

“Just as importantly, many people say it helps them feel confident, informed, and heard during critical moments,” she said. “That emotional support can be just as important as clinical care, especially in a country where maternal health outcomes remain a serious concern.”

As the program rolls out, UnitedHealthcare said doula support is currently available nationwide through eligible employer plans, with broader expansion continuing through 2026. By January 1, 2027, approximately 7.2 million members may have access depending on their employer coverage.

Members will be able to access doula services in person or virtually, depending on availability, and use them during pregnancy, labor, postpartum recovery, or across all stages. In many cases, members may also choose from a broad range of trained doulas, depending on their plan structure.

The initiative is also part of broader investment in maternal health, including $7 million recently announced by the United Health Foundation in maternal and infant health grants, with $1 million specifically dedicated to strengthening and diversifying the doula workforce.

For Saul, the goal is simple: make support easier to find during one of life’s most vulnerable moments.

“Taking time to understand your benefits, asking what support is available, and building your own version of a village — whether that includes family, friends, or a doula — can help this chapter feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more supported,” she said.
For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at uhc.com.