Delayed insurance coverage for doula services frustrates Arkansas parents and providers

By: Tess Vrbin

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: February 9, 2026

Words: 1,450

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 3 days ago

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Michelle Patton of Bentonville had a plan for the birth of her first child. She wanted a natural birth without induced labor, an epidural or a Cesarean section unless medically necessary, she said.

But when her blood pressure spiked almost three weeks before her baby’s due date, doctors told her she needed to be induced and deliver immediately. Her son was born Jan. 28 by C-section, which required an epidural.

The Pattons’ doula, Robin Mero …

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