11299.1 For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed:

Birthing parent – the individual giving birth.

Cesarean section – a surgical procedure in which a fetus is delivered through an incision in the birthing parent’s abdomen and uterus.

Doula – a nonmedical professional who assists a pregnant individual before, during or after childbirth, as well as the pregnant individual’s partner and/or family, by providing information, physical assistance, and emotional support.

Doula services – physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing parent throughout the perinatal and postpartum periods, provided by a certified doula.

Labor and delivery – the period during which the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord, and placenta are expelled from the uterus through vaginal birth or through surgical delivery by a Cesarean section.

Perinatal care – care occurring or existing during the period before birth, labor and delivery, and up to six (6) weeks following the end of a pregnancy. The perinatal period refers to the regular medical and nursing care recommended for an individual during pregnancy. Perinatal care is a type of preventative care with the goal of providing regular check-ups that allow doctors and other medical professionals to treat and prevent potential health problems throughout the course of a pregnancy.

Postpartum period – the period beginning immediately after childbirth.

Pregnant individual – an individual during pregnancy and the doula services postpartum period

Preterm – prior to the thirty-seventh (37th) week of gestation.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 69 DCR 014819 (December 2, 2022).