Maternity clinic to open new clinic and expand partnership with Mount Sinai

The US maternity clinic Oula has announced a third clinic, expanding its partnership with Mount Sinai Health System.

The expansion will include a third clinic set to open in 2024, expanded clinical services, additional service lines, and a deeper clinical and financial integration between Oula and Mount Sinai.

Oula says it aims to support patients throughout their pregnancy journeys, from prenatal care to postpartum support.

The company has partnered with Mount Sinai to provide “evidence-based” and low-risk maternity care. By working together, the two organisations are hoping to fill “critical” gaps in maternity care access, patient experience, and health outcomes.

Adrianne Nickerson, Oula co-founder and CEO, said: “According to the Listening to Mothers Survey, 74 per cent of women say they want a less medicalised approach to birth, up from 45 per cent in 2002.

“We chose Mount Sinai West as our partner because of their longstanding commitment to respecting patient autonomy and encouraging shared decision-making, both of which are pillars of midwifery care.”

Dr Holly Loudon, chair of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive science at Mount Sinai West and Morningside, said: “We are thrilled to continue partnering with Oula to provide exceptional care to our community. Our collaboration with Oula enables today’s patients to have the best of both obstetrics and midwifery services.

“Through our partnership, Mount Sinai obstetricians, specialists and nurses work alongside Oula’s midwives to complement and support patients’ personalised care plans.

“This supportive care is provided in the soothing environment of our recently redesigned delivery unit, and optimises family bonding and healing.”

Kelly Cassano, chief executive officer of the Mount Sinai Doctors Faculty Practice and senior vice president for ambulatory operations at Mount Sinai Health System, said: “We are excited to further expand access to collaborative obstetrics-midwifery care services for expectant parents on their labor and delivery journey.

“This partnership with Oula continues our commitment to serving a diverse patient population, delivering compassionate care during one of life’s most important milestones, and optimising the latest techniques and innovation in our medical facilities.”

She added: “We also know that investments in women’s health lay the foundation for improving future health outcomes —promoting healthier babies and parents.”

The maternal mortality and cesarean rates in the US are some of the highest in the developed world. Compared to women in other high-income countries, women in the US are most likely to report emotional distress, and report less satisfaction in healthcare.

According to the World Health Organization, expanding access to midwife-led maternity care is one of the most effective ways to reduce maternal mortality.

Research shows that midwifery-led care leads to lower rates of preterm birth, 30-40 per cent lower cesarean birth rates, and rates of vaginal birth after cesarean that are nearly twice as high. They also drive a threefold improvement in patient satisfaction with maternity care.

Dr Ila Dayananda, Oula chief medical officer, said: “We are long overdue for a care model that delivers better outcomes and patient experiences, and we’re thrilled to partner with hospital systems around the country that share our vision.”