SSM Health Medical Minute: Doulas available to expecting moms at four sites in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS – Expecting mothers now have a new, no-cost service from SSM Health DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond Heights.
Through a grant recently issued by the City of St. Louis and Department of Health, both hospitals now provide expecting moms with one-on-one doula services through an arrangement with On Up, a collaborative of trained professionals who provide physical, emotional and informational support to expecting moms before, during and after childbirth.
“We have four sites or four clinics that are providing prenatal care to our patients. One of them is here at DePaul, it’s the OB Care Center, and then we have three centers at St. Mary’s, which is the Maternal Fetal Medicine Center, the WISH Center, and also our newly established women’s wellness center,” Dr. Carolyn Prior, director of maternal services and OB/GYN, said.
“So, any patient that is receiving prenatal care at any of those sites, or if they are eligible for Medicaid or are currently receiving health insurance through Medicaid, they’re eligible to receive our services at no cost.”
Research shows that support from a doula can decrease low birth weight, lower NICU admissions, and help patients stay on course with pre-natal visits. And following birth, doulas can offer support for breastfeeding and social needs.
Patients who qualify at the four SSM Health sites are enrolled during their appointments.
“After the patient is enrolled and connected with the doula, the doula reached out to the patient and schedules the visits, and they basically meet the patient where they are; doesn’t necessarily have to be here at a prenatal visit,” Pryor said. “They can meet at a coffee shop or at the park or wherever both feel comfortable.”
Expecting moms will receive three prenatal visits, attendance at labor and birth and three postpartum visits. And patients can reach out to their doula for up to one year.
To learn more about maternity care options, click here.
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