Connecting The Dots Between Fertility Benefits and Health Outcomes

BY Linda Devonish-Mills | August 03, 2023

“We’re having a baby.” Individuals and couples expanding their families may not realize what is involved beyond the emotion of joy that comes with the announcement. It’s just one step in what can be a long and challenging road. The journey can be less challenging if employees are aware of their fertility benefits options, though. 

Samantha Purciello, sales strategy manager at Carrot Fertility, discussed that correlation during a thought leadership spotlight session titled “Connecting The Dots Between Fertility Benefits and Health Outcomes’’ during From Day One’s July virtual conference. Purciello talks about the importance of employers offering fertility benefits that support employees through the phases of childbirth and how employees can manage their health as they navigate through the steps. ‘’Fertility benefits make it possible for employees to access treatments like IVF. But for the best pregnancy outcomes, support should not stop or start with care access alone. Better pregnancy outcomes start before fertility treatments begin, throughout pregnancy, and during postpartum,’’ said Purciello. 

Carrot Fertility establishes relationships with employers to help employees obtain personalized care related to their fertility journey. 

Who Has Access to Fertility Benefits? 

Purciello points out that IVF is the first treatment that comes to mind regarding fertility benefits, but it also covers egg freezing and adoption. She diffuses the theory that fertility benefits are only available to families that are going through the journey of pregnancy and experiencing challenges. Fertility benefits are and should also be available to individuals and couples focusing on long-range planning while considering expanding their families. 

Purciello refers to hypothetical case studies throughout the session as examples of how employees can connect the dots with fertility benefits and health outcomes throughout each stage of pregnancy. 

Family Planning 

Purciello refers to a case study of a young married couple that focuses on their nutritional habits by speaking with a nutritionist and making dietary changes. Meanwhile the gentleman was undergoing periodic sperm testing as part of a health benefit offered by his employer. The couple learned a valuable lesson about the correlation of good nutritional habits impacting sperm health, resulting in a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

Samantha Purciello of Carrot Fertility led the virtual presentation (company photo)

Research conducted by the Nurses' Health Study confirmed the benefits of women following fertility diets and taking folic acid supplements. Purciello mentioned that, unfortunately, the average couple going through a pregnancy journey is unaware of the correlation between healthy nutritional habits and sperm testing, as it is not discussed during OB/GYN appointments. Great packages of fertility benefits offered by employers should include employees’ access to nutritionists and sperm testing. 

Pregnancy

Purciello refers to another hypothetical case study about an African American couple expecting their first child. The study focuses on the woman's actions to overcome challenges she faced during her pregnancy. Her biggest challenge was not keeping up with OB/GYN appointments due to the doctor’s office not being close to her house. A co-worker informed her about a prenatal education session series. The company’s plan of fertility benefits covers the sessions' costs. Her session attendance reminded her of the importance of keeping up with her OB/GYN appointments. Group prenatal care reduces preterm birth risk by 33%, according to research by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The couple also benefited from creating a birth plan by establishing a relationship with a midwife. The pregnant woman identified the midwife through her fertility benefits plan. Establishing birth plans helps expecting parents feel more prepared for labor and delivery. 

Delivery

The case study for the delivery phase highlights an African American woman establishing a relationship with a doula during her pregnancy since she did not have a good relationship with her obstetrician. Doulas can help reduce preterm birth and increase spontaneous vaginal delivery, according to research by the National Library of Medicine. 

 Doulas are advocates for women throughout their entire journey with pregnancy through the development of a birth plan. Establishing a relationship with a doula is an excellent option for women of color, as research has shown how they are subjected to systemic discrimination related to fertility issues. Purciello mentions that doula support is not typically covered by insurance. However, employers can make it possible for employees to obtain access to pregnancy professionals. Employers providing such support allow them to give their employees equitable opportunities for healthy outcomes related to childbirth and benefits that are culturally sensitive to their needs. 

Postpartum

Purciello states that postpartum medical care is critical in the first 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. Medical care at the postpartum stage has been linked to better future health outcomes. Such maintenance is essential for women of color as they are at high risk for hypertension. Postpartum depression affects up to 19% of women who have recently given birth. 

The case study for the postpartum stage refers to a woman returning to work after having a baby. She experiences anxiety about handling her baby's nutritional needs through breastfeeding and pumping when she returns to work, along with concerns about addressing hundreds of e-mail messages not addressed during maternity leave. 

Purciello refers to this study to describe how women benefit from telehealth options for referrals to lactation consultants and emotional support experts. 

Connection with Fertility Benefits and Health Outcomes

Purciello emphasizes the importance of employers providing a fertility benefits solution that includes care coordination and guidance at every stage of childbirth. ‘’When you begin your search for a fertility benefits platform, you’ll first want to ensure that the platform is truly end to end and covers every step of a fertility, health care, or family forming journey,’’ said Purciello. She recommends that employers look for a solution emphasizing a few key areas, including personalization, evidence-based care, global solutions, and aligned incentives. 

  • Personalization: look for a program that’s personalized to every employee. Plans should never be a “one size fits all.” 
  • Evidence-based care: ask about the expertise behind the platform. Determine how easy it is for employees to access expert support. 
  • Global solutions: this is a priority for employers with employees outside of the U.S. When reviewing vendors, ask how they vet clinics and agencies in other countries and how they handle the different global rules and regulations governing fertility care. 
  • Aligned incentives: Purciello embraces this critical area as a solution for systemic discrimination with fertility issues.“Equitable coverage for all fertility journeys and a payments platform that supports income diversity, by removing the need to pay for expensive care upfront, is another way to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive support.”

Such practices among employers ensure equitable access to fertility benefits, especially for women of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

Editor’s note: From Day One thanks our partner, Carrot Fertility, for sponsoring this thought leadership spotlight.

Linda Devonish-Mills is a writer and diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant based in Teaneck, New Jersey. Her articles have been published by Thrive Global, a Huffington Post publication, Cowen Partners, an executive search firm, and Hunt Scanlon Media. 

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