CHICAGO - State Senators Mattie Hunter and Cristina Castro celebrated the announcement of the availability of new perinatal doula and lactation consultant services pregnant and postpartum individuals who are enrolled in the Illinois Medicaid program.

“Doulas and lactation consultants provide vital support that helps improve the overall health of mothers and their babies,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By expanding coverage of these services, we are making essential care more attainable for families.”

This coverage will further expand maternal and child health coverage, by ensuring all individuals are supported throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience.

Under this new insurance requirement, certified doula services includes the entire perinatal period and up to one year postpartum. Covered doula services include perinatal counseling, education and supports, including newborn care, development of a birth plan and support during labor and delivery, care coordination with available community-based services, attendance at clinician visits, emotional and physical support, and visits to assist with basic infant care.

The expanded coverage for doula services was included in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus health care pillar.

Lactation consultant services includes the entire perinatal period through infant weaning. Additional lactation support services that will be covered include: perinatal education about breastfeeding and human lactation, comprehensive maternal, infant, and feeding assessments related to breastfeeding and human lactation, and evidence-based lactation counseling and the provision of support and encouragement to promote successful attainment of breastfeeding goals.

“Having doula and lactation services covered through Medicaid can be a lifeline for women at risk of complications,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This important coverage is a significant step toward building supportive systems of care where parents have the tools and support they need to keep themselves and their babies healthy.”

A standing recommendation was also issued for lactation services and doula services so Medicaid customers can receive coverage for these services without having to obtain a referral from their physician.

More information on how you can enroll as an Illinois Medicaid provider click here.