GREEN BAY – Emily Jacobson — decade-long owner of Green Bay Doulas — was first introduced to the doula profession and the care they provide when her niece was born in 2011.
At the time, Jacobson’s sister-in-law asked her to be in the room with her for the birth, and it was during post-birth that Jacobson noticed a common theme with those who were stopping by to visit.
“I realized that most people were coming over and they wanted to see and hold the baby, and no one was really concerned about her, her well-being or how she was recovering from all of this,” said Jacobson.
It was this experience that taught Jacobson the necessity of a doula — a person to provide guidance and support post-partum and during labor.
“That kind of was the spark of it,” she said.
From the beginning, Jacobson became enamored with the business aspect of doula services, primarily because the majority of doula services provided currently are from certified individuals with part-time availability, and interest in building a business to support and advocate for doulas grew with every conversation she would have with fellow doulas.
Jacobson realized that many doulas shared her same desires for job security within their profession; however, not all doulas that she connected with were as interested in the business side of the operation.
This sparked the motivation to open Green Bay Doulas, an agency that has provided services for independently contracted doulas for the past decade.
“Collectively, we can support way more women than just one person. And I was like, wouldn’t we be stronger as a village together?” said Jacobson.
One of the primary struggles she has faced during her time building Green Bay Doulas is insurance companies failing to acknowledge doulas in the state of Wisconsin.
Currently, there are 18 states that provide some form of insurance reimbursement for doula services, with three of those including surrounding states like Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.
Additionally, Brown County does not receive access to grant money for doulas because of its demographic makeup.
Jacobson says that there are many frustrations involved when losing potential clients due to cost of service, especially when the same service is covered in many surrounding areas and states.
“I really believe that anybody who believes they could benefit from (a doula) should be able to have access to it,” she said.
Despite the barriers, Jacobson continues to work to show lawmakers the importance of funding for doula services.
To help create this change, Jacobson created a nonprofit called the Wisconsin Doulas Association.
“We would have better birth outcomes, we would have better maternal and infant outcomes, we would have better breast-feeding rates and more women would be able to do this work because it would be sustainable,” Jacobson explained.
“If insurance could do this, that would be a game-changer for women. More women would be able to become doulas and more women would be able to see the support that we can give to different families.”
In addition to advocating for proper insurance coverage, many doulas also spend much of their time advocating against portrayed stereotypes.
Jacobson shared that only five percent of families utilize doulas throughout their birthing journey, which may contribute to the misinformation spread about the occupation.
One of the main false stereotypes surrounding doulas is they only provide services for natural births and home births.
“My agency is primarily in hospital settings. We’re experts in helping navigate hospital policy and working with the hospital staff,” Jacobson clarified.
Jacobson also mentioned the holistic or “hippie” stereotypes that are often associated with doulas, explaining that the doulas under her agency are professionals.
And for those who are unsure about going through the birthing process with doula care, Jacobson made it clear that Green Bay Doulas intends to meet people where they’re at.
Some of the smaller involvement includes childbirth education classes, learning to be a good hospital patient and specific education on the birthing process.
Jacobson also shared that doulas are not always present during the birth, but are an avenue of support before, during and after.
“For anything to do with pregnancy, birth or postpartum, you really should call a doula for more information,” Jacobson said.
Green Bay Doulas and their independent contractors under the agency are motivated by many things, and Jacobson made sure to share some of her own biggest inspirations to continue her work.
“Pregnancy can be very scary. It can be very unknown. Being able to help women and their partners understand what is happening and being able to help and empower them, there’s nothing better than that.”
“Sometimes, it’s just about holding that space for a family and being there during those moments to be there in time with them to help them navigate and advocate for themselves. It’s not something that’s meant to be done alone.”
Green Bay Doulas has overseen hundreds of births, and there is one phrase in particular that Jacobson most often hears.
“Most of them will say I couldn’t have done this without you. And we know they could have. But, we also say that if everything goes perfectly, you’re really glad you had a doula, and if everything goes completely wrong, you’re really glad your doula was there,” she stated.
To learn more, visit www.greenbaydoulas.com.
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