Why Henry Ford Hospital's New Doula Program Is Changing Maternal Care

Henry Ford Health has introduced a hospital-based doula program designed specifically to support pregnant patients with Medicaid coverage, marking a significant step toward reducing maternal health disparities in Detroit. This innovative initiative recognizes that continuous emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth can improve outcomes for vulnerable populations who often face barriers to quality maternal care.

What Is a Doula and How Does This Program Work?

A doula is a trained birth companion who provides continuous support to pregnant people and their families throughout labor and delivery. Unlike medical staff who manage clinical aspects of birth, doulas focus on emotional encouragement, comfort measures, and advocacy. Henry Ford's hospital-based doula program brings this support directly into the hospital setting, making it accessible to patients who might not otherwise have access to these services.

The program specifically targets patients with Medicaid, recognizing that financial barriers often prevent low-income women from accessing doula support. By integrating doulas into hospital care, Henry Ford is removing these obstacles and ensuring that all pregnant patients—regardless of insurance status—can benefit from continuous labor support.

Why Does Maternal Health Equity Matter in Detroit?

Maternal health disparities remain a critical issue in the United States, with Black women and low-income women facing significantly higher rates of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality. Henry Ford Health's commitment to addressing these inequities extends beyond the doula program. The health system has also earned Level IV Maternal Center certification from The Joint Commission, representing a historic first for Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

This certification reflects the hospital's comprehensive approach to maternal care, which includes advanced services and specialized support for high-risk pregnancies. The doula program complements these clinical advances by ensuring that patients receive holistic care that addresses both their medical and emotional needs during one of life's most significant experiences.

What Services Does Henry Ford Offer Beyond Doula Support?

Henry Ford Health's women's health services extend far beyond labor and delivery support. The health system operates a large network of women's health clinics and hospital locations throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Jackson counties, making specialized care accessible to communities across the Detroit area.

• Obstetric Care: Obstetricians and certified nurse-midwives provide comprehensive prenatal genetics testing, pregnancy management, childbirth services, infant care, and breastfeeding support across five hospital locations.
• Gynecologic Services: Advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive surgical treatments for conditions including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, and gynecologic cancers.
• Infertility and Fertility Treatments: Testing and treatment options including in vitro fertilization (IVF), along with hormone disorder management for patients struggling to conceive.
• Menopause Support: Compassionate care and treatment options to help women navigate the hormonal changes and symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause.
• Sexual Health Services: Specialized clinic addressing decreased libido and sexual concerns related to aging, pain, postpartum recovery, and chronic illness.

The breadth of these services reflects Henry Ford's understanding that women's health needs change throughout different life stages, from puberty through menopause and beyond.

How Are Certified Nurse-Midwives Contributing to Maternal Care?

Henry Ford Health employs a large, diverse group of certified nurse-midwives who provide personalized women's health care across the entire lifespan. Many people assume that nurse-midwives only assist with home births, but these skilled professionals offer comprehensive care in hospital settings as well. Their expertise spans from adolescent health through childbirth to menopause management, providing continuity of care that many patients find valuable.

The integration of midwives into Henry Ford's obstetric teams ensures that patients have options for their birth experience while maintaining access to advanced medical interventions when needed. This combination of traditional midwifery care with modern hospital resources creates a balanced approach to maternal health that honors both safety and patient preferences.

What Makes This Program a First-of-Its-Kind Initiative?

While doula support has become increasingly recognized as beneficial for maternal outcomes, integrating doulas directly into hospital systems—and specifically funding them for Medicaid patients—remains relatively uncommon. Henry Ford's decision to establish this program demonstrates a commitment to health equity that goes beyond standard clinical care. By removing financial barriers and embedding doulas within the hospital structure, the program ensures that support is available to those who need it most.

This initiative aligns with Henry Ford Health's broader research and advocacy efforts around maternal health equity. The health system is actively investigating why certain populations experience higher rates of specific conditions—such as the ongoing research into why Black women suffer disproportionately from uterine fibroids—and using these insights to inform more equitable care practices.

For pregnant patients in the Detroit area, especially those with Medicaid coverage, Henry Ford's doula program represents a meaningful shift in how hospitals approach maternal care. By recognizing that emotional support and advocacy are just as important as medical intervention, the program acknowledges the full humanity of the birthing experience and works to ensure that all women receive the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve.