January 21, 2026
When Breonna Orum learned her daughter, Seviyn, had heterotaxy – a rare condition where internal organs are arranged differently than normal – and a single-ventricle heart, doctors warned survival was uncertain.
Facing overwhelming medical challenges and emotional stress, Breonna found strength through the support of her doula.
“Even though I’m a doula myself, I needed somebody to be able to show up for me when I could not do that for myself,” she said. “There were times I just sat there and cried looking at her ultrasound and I needed someone to remind me it was OK to just be pregnant.”
Breonna’s doula, Mercedes Good, provided emotional reassurance, attended appointments, and supported her postpartum recovery—critical elements that align with maternal health quality measures and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Why Doulas Matter
Doulas play a critical role in maternal care. Unlike clinical providers, doulas are trained, non‑medical professionals who offer emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. This support helps reduce stress, build confidence and trust, and improve communication—factors that directly influence how the body labors, heals, and bonds.
“By reducing fear, supporting informed decision-making, and helping labor progress naturally, doulas lower the risk of early births, lower C-sections and complications, improve breastfeeding, and support post-partum care,” said Dr. Kathleen Robischon, vice president of medical affairs at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Doulas strengthen how care is experienced and used, producing high-impact improvements for mothers and babies leading to healthier births and improved outcomes.”
How Doulas Support a Commitment to Maternal Health
At Excellus BCBS, improving maternal health outcomes is more than a goal—it’s a commitment. The Maternal Health Care Improvement Team works every day to reduce disparities and improve key quality metrics using Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures, including:
- Prenatal Care
- Postpartum Care
- Prenatal Immunizations (T‑DAP and Influenza)
- Postpartum Depression Screenings and Follow-Up
One way we’re making a difference is by covering doula services for Medicaid Managed Care, HARP, and Essential Plan members.
If you are a New York State Medicaid Member, you are eligible to receive doula services with each pregnancy.
- You can receive up to 8 doula visits before and after pregnancy, plus support during childbirth—regardless of how the pregnancy ends.
- You can receive doula services up to 12 months after your pregnancy ends.
This approach aims to reduce maternal health disparities, improve outcomes for mothers and babies, and ensure every mother has the support she needs for a safe, empowering birth experience.
Commitment to Equity
Through data-driven strategies and community partnerships, Excellus BCBS is addressing maternal health disparities and improving quality metrics across prenatal and postpartum care. By combining HEDIS-based performance improvements with evidence‑based doula support, we are creating a safer, more equitable experience for mothers and babies.
"I would not be sitting here with my daughter if it wasn't for insurance covering the support I needed to now be the support she needs," says Breonna.
Watch more about Breonna’s story in the video below:
Contact:
Lynn Wesley Burton
lynn.wesley@excellus.com
