Bronwyn Kenny, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences

(JANUARY 17, 2025) Bronwyn Kenny, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, spoke to Vermont Public about a report that the Office of Professional Regulation wants to create a new certification process for doulas as Vermont inches closer toward qualifying doula services for coverage under Medicaid, the federal low-income health insurance program.

Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide support during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as in postpartum care.

“We work with doulas all the time during labor and delivery,” said Kenny, an OB-GYN at the University of Vermont Medical Center and a member of the Vermont Medical Society. “We’re not entirely sure how or why it works, but there’s really good evidence that it does reduce things like C-section rates and postpartum depression in other states that have started to cover doula services under Medicaid.”

The Office of Professional Regulation will work with stakeholders to determine the most appropriate certification requirements. The office also said it will stay in contact with the Department of Vermont Health Access to make sure the new certification program aligns with federal Medicaid requirements.