Walmart is expanding access to doula services for employees on a company medical plan in Louisiana, Indiana and Illinois.
The benefit covers up to $1,000 for doula services during pregnancy through the company's Life with Baby program. The service was first offered in Georgia last year, according to a June 22 news release.
The company cited high maternal mortality rates in the three new states and the impact it believes the expansion will have on care outcomes. Doulas are credentialed experts trained to support mothers through the labor process and delivery of a child.