Oula is a multi-million dollar start-up that aims to redesign how women give birth, offering midwife-led care from its two clinics that resemble interiors associated with Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop brand. The company has garnered attention from high-profile figures and boasts polished social media featuring motivational quotes for “birthing people.” However, Oula is now facing a lawsuit alleging negligence that resulted in a baby being born with brain damage, with the parents claiming the midwives were reckless and failed to act promptly during the birth last year.
The lawsuit, filed in Brooklyn State Supreme Court, alleges that the midwives, as well as doctors and nurses at Mount Sinai West, where Oula’s babies are delivered, used procedures that were detrimental to the mother and baby. As a result, the infant suffered hypoxic brain damage due to delayed delivery, which occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Despite the lawsuit, Oula has not yet responded officially, stating their commitment to supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
Oula is part of a wave of start-ups looking to capitalize on the changes in the Affordable Care Act that require insurers to cover midwife-led care for pregnant women. This shift was prompted by concerns over high rates of cesarean deliveries and maternal mortality in the US. Currently, the cesarean delivery rate in the US is more than double the ideal rate recommended by the World Health Organization. Additionally, maternal mortality rates in the US are among the highest in the developed world, further highlighting the need for improved care during and after pregnancy.
Despite the high rates of cesarean deliveries and maternal mortality in the US, there are fewer midwives than obstetricians in the country. However, the number of midwifery training programs is on the rise, indicating a potential shift towards more midwife-led care options for pregnant women. Oula, founded by Harvard graduate Adrianne Nickerson and healthcare administration master Elaine Purcell, secured significant funding from investors like Chelsea Clinton to establish its clinics and expand its services in the tri-state area.
Oula’s clinics, designed to offer a serene and upscale environment for expecting mothers, have seen success in terms of funding and patient numbers, delivering over 1,500 babies since its inception. However, the recent lawsuit raises questions about Oula’s predominantly midwife-led approach and its handling of emergency situations during deliveries. The company faced criticism for not having a dedicated obstetrician at Mount Sinai West until recently, relying on busy doctors and nurses during emergencies.
The lawsuit against Oula has drawn attention to the company’s reputation and practices regarding midwife-led care. Oula has been praised for its modern approach to birthing, but concerns have been raised about its ability to handle emergencies and provide the necessary medical support for complicated deliveries. As the company continues to grow and attract investors, it will be essential for Oula to address these concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of the mothers and babies in its care.
