Collaborating to improve birth outcomes in Iowa

In 2020, 22.3% of babies in Iowa were born in rural counties, yet only 9% of the state's maternity care providers practice in these areas.¹ Maternal challenges in Iowa are furthered by an overall deficit of providers, with 33.3% of counties defined as maternity care deserts, and 14% of individuals who are pregnant traveling over half an hour to reach a hospital. Dedicated to improving maternal care for Iowans, UnitedHealthcare is collaborating with Jai Olive Wellness to improve birth outcomes for underserved populations.

Jai Olive Wellness

Jai Olive Wellness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for diverse and rural families through various services including perinatal peer support groups, doula referrals, mental health resources and educational workshops.² A $10,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare will support several key initiatives:

1. Training and support: Eight individuals will be trained in perinatal mental health, lactation support and postpartum care to serve Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander and Black communities
2. Family assistance: At least 15 families will receive support through referrals or direct services
3. Peer support groups: Two monthly peer support groups focused on perinatal mental health and lactation will be hosted
4. Community workshops: Two community workshops on perinatal health will be conducted

Through these initiatives, the collaboration aims to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among diverse communities, enhance support networks for postpartum families and raise community awareness of available maternal health services.

Doula program impact

By expanding the doula workforce in Iowa, UnitedHealthcare seeks to improve the birthing experience for individuals who are pregnant. Research indicates that doula support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period significantly enhances the birthing experience, reduces complications and improves outcomes for moms and babies.³ Furthermore, doulas often build strong, trusted relationships with their clients, positioning them effectively to provide education on maternal mental health conditions, substance use disorders and other related challenges.⁴

UnitedHealthcare's commitment to expanding the doula workforce and increasing access to maternal health services represents a significant step towards improving maternal and postpartum health outcomes for underserved families in Iowa. Through strategic investment and collaboration, the initiative aims to bridge the gap in maternal care and ensure better health for moms and their babies in rural and diverse communities.