Tennessee Code Title 63. Professions of the Healing Arts § 63-15-101

(1) Pregnant and postpartum women who receive doula care are found to have improved health outcomes for themselves and their infants, including higher breastfeeding initiation rates, fewer low birth weight babies, and lower rates of cesarean deliveries;

(2) The benefits of doula care can have a financial impact in helping families and this state avoid the costs associated with low birth weight babies, cesarean births, and other pregnancy-related complications; and

(3) A successful program of medicaid coverage for doula care must honor and support the autonomy of doulas, and be as inclusive as possible of the wide variety of birth support work that exists, including community-based and traditional birth support work.