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Prenatal Care

It is important to see your doctor as soon as you think you are pregnant. Your first prenatal visit is important to provide valuable information about your baby’s health. Studies show that getting prenatal care early can help you have a healthier baby.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC program) helps low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 stay healthy. The WIC program provides nutritious foods to support a healthy diet. WIC also shares information on healthy eating and provides breastfeeding support. WIC can coordinate referrals to healthcare.

Resources

What is a Doula? 

A doula is a professional labor assistant who provides physical and emotional support to you and your partner during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

For example, a doula might offer: 

  • Attention to physical comfort through techniques such as touch and massage and assistance with breathing
  • Emotional reassurance, comfort and encouragement
  • Information about what's happening during labor and the postpartum period, including explanations of procedures
  • Help with facilitating communication between you and the hospital staff
  • Guidance and support for loved ones
  • Assistance with breast-feeding

Find a Provider Tool

Use the Find a Provider Tool to find Doula's in your area

OHP Doula Benefit

OHP covers doula support once per pregnancy for any member whose benefit package covers labor and delivery. The standard doula benefit is four maternity support visits (two visits before delivery and two visits after delivery). Doula support is also provided on the day of delivery.

Did you know?

 Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team:

  • Decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%
  • Decreases the length of labor by 25%
  • Decreases the use of oxytocin by 40%
  • Decreases requests for an epidural by 60%

With doula support, pregnant people also reported having a more positive childbirth experience.

From the American Pregnancy website.