What CDPHP did for me: Support through my entire pregnancy journey

Are you trying to conceive, recently pregnant, or a new mama? If so, read on to learn about incredible women’s and maternal health benefits available to CDPHP^® members! 

My name is Brittaney Deitz. In addition to being the mama of a beautiful 11-month-old baby boy, I’m a passionate fitness trainer and the proud owner of Britt Deitz Fitness. My mission has always been to empower individuals to achieve their wellness and fitness goals.

I’m thrilled to share my personal journey of navigating pregnancy and motherhood and how I took full advantage of the incredible benefits provided by CDPHP. As a new mama, I understand the importance of comprehensive support and resources during this transformative and tender time. I hope my story can offer insight and encouragement to other expectant and new parents.

I want to be fully transparent and begin by saying I used to fear the thought of giving birth. A younger and more naive version of myself was deeply afraid and anxious about the pain I might endure and fear of the unknown. Hollywood and the media have often portrayed childbirth as painful, dramatic, risky, and traumatizing. We’ve been conditioned to see it as a scary, unbearable, emergency medical event. Every woman’s experience is different, and it certainly can be challenging and scary at times. But childbirth can also be beautiful and empowering – a side seldom depicted in movies or TV shows. As my pregnancy progressed, I started to wonder, “How could something so natural, beautiful, and miraculous be so terrifying and painful?”

I immersed myself in learning all about birth. I did everything possible to prepare my body physically through exercise, proper nourishment, pelvic floor physical therapy, massage therapy, and prenatal chiropractic care. I nurtured my mind and emotions by praying, meditating, visualizing, connecting with my baby, reciting affirmations, and working with doulas. I attended birth preparation courses, webinars, listened to podcasts, and read several insightful books.

My birth plan was to remain open-minded and flexible, avoiding interventions unless medically necessary. I coached myself to use techniques such as relaxation, mantras, and controlled breathing for pain management. For me, having an intervention-free childbirth wasn’t about being “brave,” it was about staying calm and treating my labor and delivery as a natural event, not a medical procedure.

During my pregnancy, I learned CDPHP offers a doula reimbursement of up to $1,500.* Taking advantage of this benefit and hiring a doula was undoubtedly one of the most valuable benefits I experienced during my pregnancy and birth. My doula was an incredible resource for information and support leading up to and during labor and delivery. Her presence and guidance helped reduce stress and anxiety, in addition to assisting with pain management techniques such as breathing exercises and massage.

My goal was to have an unmedicated and intervention-free vaginal birth. Thanks to the birth prep, education, and tools my doula provided, I was able to achieve the birth experience I hoped for. Research shows having a doula can lead to shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, and a higher likelihood of a positive birth experience. If any of these goals sound like what you’re looking for, I would encourage you to seek the guidance and support of a doula.

Beyond labor, doulas offer guidance on postpartum recovery and newborn care. Even after the baby arrived, I felt supported and informed. With my doula’s personalized care and unwavering support, I felt empowered and confident every step of the way, which truly impacted what a positive and enriching experience it was for me. If you are interested in finding a doula but don’t know where or how to start your search, check out The Doula Network of the Capital Region.

Training, education, information, and resources can help set up a person for success. That’s why I took classes on prepared childbirth, infant safety, and breastfeeding preparation. Did you know eligible CDPHP members can get up to $75 back for completing parenting preparation classes?*

After giving birth, I had a lactation consultant, and was excited to learn that CDPHP covers lactation visits in full for providers in network. If out-of-pocket costs occur, reimbursement can be requested. It’s no secret new parents can be faced with many expenses from diapers to baby gear, clothes, and more. Having this benefit covered was such a nice perk, especially while I was out of work on an extended maternity leave.

I downloaded the Ovia Parenting app once I settled in with my new baby for access to helpful infant tracking tools, expert parenting articles and tips, tools for supporting work-life balance, as well as personal in-app coaching with an Ovia Health coach.* Although I didn’t personally use it during pregnancy, there’s also an Ovia Pregnancy app to track baby’s development with weekly updates, pregnancy guidance, symptom relief tips, and baby growth and development information.

Giving birth and becoming a mama was the single most transformative moment of my life. I truly enjoyed being pregnant, as it was such a special time to carry and protect my baby. But there is no greater moment than when they put that baby in your arms. Love at first sight! I had a healthy and fit pregnancy, was able to achieve the unmedicated birth I envisioned, and most importantly, delivered a healthy baby.

Although it took time, patience, commitment, and practice, I was able to establish a nursing relationship like I hoped, and I am proud to say I am still breastfeeding my son at 11 months. I was also eligible for a breast pump, which is covered in full from a participating vendor with a prescription.*

I feel the preparation, education, and taking advantage of my CDPHP member benefits helped set me up for the best chance at success. I was reimbursed for my efforts totaling about $2,000. A nice benefit for a new mama on maternity leave!

I can’t encourage you enough to take advantage of all the opportunities to educate yourself, get the extra care and support you need, and know what health plan benefits you have available. Preparing yourself for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and motherhood will empower you with the knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to navigate these transformative experiences with greater ease and resilience.

Britt recently launched the Britt Deitz Fitness Prenatal Fitness Program to help mamas-to-be improve and/or maintain their strength, fitness, and activity level to encourage a healthy pregnancy, baby, and easier transition to postpartum.

You can access Britt Dietz Fitness online or download the free app on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. If you’re a CDPHP member and decide to sign up after the free trial, you could be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $600 per family through the fitness reimbursement benefit.

*Participation in these services is dependent on plan type and may not apply for self-funded plan members. Please check your member contract or call the number on your ID card to see if you’re eligible.

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