New Choices in Childbirth Series Brings Actionable Resources to Expecting Parents

For too many people, the path to parenthood is overwhelmed with feelings of confusion, anxiety, and sometimes mistrust. Many new parents don’t feel heard during their pregnancy journeys, which can lead to dissatisfaction with care and even risky clinical situations for mothers and babies. While we know that the complexity of the health care system plays a part and each person’s experience is unique, the impact is more strongly experienced in communities of color. CVS Health and the maternity advocacy organization Every Mother Counts are helping parents everywhere self-advocate through Choices in Childbirth.

In Choices in Childbirth, parents and care team advocates tell their stories so that others are empowered to obtain a care experience that meets their unique needs. Delivered through videos and interactive tools, all resources are designed to support people in informed decision-making throughout their pregnancy. 

Expecting parents featured in the chapters express their concerns, uncertainties and hopes for their delivery and parenting experience. Doulas and other skilled birth workers guide patients while providing valuable resources and support. Resources, such as healthy behaviors and effective communication methods, are made available to viewers through downloadable materials to activate with their care team.

The Choices in Childbirth series comes at a critical time, as the U.S. continues to experience the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, with approximately 700 women dying from pregnancy-related complications each year. The rate of severe maternal morbidity—unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short-or long-term impacts on a woman’s health—is almost 100 times that number. Approximately 60,000 women experience severe maternal morbidity each year.

Worse, 60 percent of the deaths from pregnancy-related complications are likely preventable. And poor birth outcomes are amplified in communities of color, with rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality among Black women two to three times higher than that of white women. These numbers are simply unacceptable.

The unscripted conversations in Choices in Childbirth unflinchingly explore contributing factors behind this racial disparity as women of color discuss situations throughout their pregnancies in which they felt ignored, dismissed or intimidated. The videos also explore topics like how women can understand and exert their rights in the birthing process, the importance of mental health during and after pregnancy, navigating prenatal and postpartum care, and the roles of different maternity providers.

The importance of support in improving pregnancy outcomes

Birth assistants like doulas have been providing support for new families as part of birthing teams for years, offering physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth. Doulas do not take the place of doctors or midwives and do not deliver babies. Rather, they provide supportive services such as help developing a birth plan, techniques to manage pain in labor, and advice to the birth partner about how to offer support.

Studies show that mothers who are matched with doulas experience higher rates of satisfaction with their birth experience, more spontaneous labors and more success with breastfeeding. Doula support can also reduce C-section births as much as 25%, with evidence suggesting that the support doulas provide during the birthing process can reduce the need for clinical procedures during labor and birth.

The need for support does not end with childbirth. According to a study published by The Commonwealth Fund, over half of recorded maternal deaths occur after the day of birth. In this critical “fourth trimester,” new mothers may experience complications. Helping new mothers recognize potential medical problems and speak up if she has concerns over something that doesn’t seem right is an important way to reduce maternal morbidity. It’s also a critical skill for the parenting journey ahead.  

CVS Health’s Commitment to Women

CVS Health collaborated with Every Mother Counts to develop Choices in Childbirth because we are dedicated to ending this country’s maternal health crisis. This learning series is part of our overall commitment to end bias in health care and improve women’s health care experiences with simplified, personalized and accessible solutions. As we build a comprehensive and holistic consumer experience that improves women’s health and lives, I look forward to continuing to share this work with you.