Gaby Cavins, a lieutenant junior grade in the Navy, experienced a harrowing ordeal during her first birth in February 2017. She entered a military treatment facility for a routine prenatal checkup, only to be told that her amniotic fluid was low, necessitating induction. Despite wanting a natural birth, she had to walk tirelessly to kick-start labor, eventually delivering her son Kenneth after a long and painful process that resulted in severe bleeding and trauma.
The Role of Doulas in Supporting Expectant Service Members
Cavins’ story sheds light on the challenges faced by expectant service members, especially in the military healthcare system. The lack of options for birthing choices, such as home births or doula support, can leave women feeling isolated and overwhelmed during a vulnerable time in their lives. TRICARE, the health care program for uniformed service members, does not cover birth doulas for active-duty women delivering on military installations, leaving them without the support they need.
Advocates and congressional leaders have been pushing for changes in the system to ensure that expectant service members have access to essential support like doulas. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions that would require TRICARE to cover doulas for expectant service members, a crucial step towards improving maternal care within the military.
The Importance of Doula Support for Expectant Service Members
Natalie Winkels, a civilian birth doula and Air Force veteran, emphasizes the significance of having a doula present during childbirth to provide emotional and physical support. For younger service members, who may feel intimidated by questioning medical professionals, having a doula can make a significant difference in advocating for their needs and preferences during labor.
Pregnant service members often face unique challenges in navigating their healthcare options and advocating for themselves within the military system. Issues such as access to child care, postpartum support, and maternity uniforms can impact their overall well-being and career trajectories. The need for comprehensive and compassionate care for expectant service members is crucial to ensuring their health and safety during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Evolution of Maternal Care in the Military
The Military Health System plays a vital role in providing care for service members and their families, with childbirth being one of the most common procedures within the system. While military hospitals have seen improvements in maternal and infant outcomes, there are still disparities in care for women of color, highlighting the need for more equitable and inclusive healthcare practices.
Recent initiatives, such as the pilot project to evaluate the benefits of doula services for maternal and fetal outcomes, have shown promising results in improving the birthing experience for service members. However, challenges such as billing issues, provider shortages, and bureaucratic red tape continue to hinder the implementation of these crucial support services.
Moving Forward: Advocating for Change in Maternal Care
As advocates and congressional leaders work towards expanding access to doula support and other essential services for expectant service members, there is a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive and patient-centered care within the military healthcare system. By listening to the voices of service members like Gaby Cavins and implementing meaningful reforms, the military can better support the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum women in uniform.
In conclusion, the journey of expectant service members like Gaby Cavins highlights the importance of compassionate and personalized care during pregnancy and childbirth. By addressing the systemic barriers to quality maternal care and advocating for policy changes that prioritize the well-being of service members, we can create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for all military families.
