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Doula Services

WHAT ARE DOULAS?

Doulas are trained helpers who give support to people before, during, and after they have a baby. They are not doctors or nurses. Their job is to help you feel safe, cared for, and confident during pregnancy and birth.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOULA?

Studies show that having a doula can help parents and babies stay healthier.

People with doulas often:

  • Feel less worried and stressed
  • Have an easier time breastfeeding
  • Are less likely to have a cesarean birth
  • Are less likely to have a baby born too early

A doula can speak up for you, help you understand your choices, and give comfort during labor.

WHAT DO DOULAS DO? 

Doulas help 1) before birth (prenatal), 2) during birth, and 3) after birth (postpartum). During prenatal and postpartum visits, you and your doula will discuss:

  • Your personal preferences and expectations of childbirth
  • Birthing process and newborn care
  • Mental health and self-care
  • Breastfeeding techniques
  • Community resources
  • Self-advocacy during prenatal/postpartum visits and labor and delivery

During labor and birth, your doula can provide support by providing:

  • Continuous, one-and-one support throughout labor
  • Reassurance and comfort to help manage stress
  • Physical comfort through breathing exercises and calming techniques
  • Help with clearly communicating your needs to the labor and delivery care team

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR DOULA SERVICES?

You can get doula services if you:

  • Are pregnant or were pregnant within the last 6 months
  • Have Medicaid

To check if you may be eligible for Medicaid, click here: https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/pregnant-individual

HOW MUCH DO DOULA SERVICES COST?

If you have Medicaid, doula services are free.

Medicaid covers 12 doula visits during pregnancy, during birth, and for 6 months after birth.

WHERE CAN I FIND A DOULA?

If you have Fee-for-Service Medicaid or contact your provider and ask them about getting connected with a doula. You can also visit the Medicaid Provider Directory, select “Medicaid FFS” from the drop down menu that says “program” and select DOULA or DOULA GROUP in the drop down menu marked “Type” to contact a doula directly.

Your page should look like this

doula services.png

 

If you have Medicaid Managed care, contact your Managed Care Plan. They will help connect you with a doula. You can also visit the Medicaid Provider Directory, select your plan in the drop down menu that says “Program,” and select DOULA or DOULA GROUP in the drop down menu marked “Type” to contact a doula directly.

Managed Care Plan Contact Number
AmeriHealth Caritas DC Contact BrightStart Program 1-877-759-6883
MedStar Family Choice Search “Doula” in the Provider Search portal and call one of the plan’s doulas. Or call Enrollee Services at 888-404-3549.
Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN) Search “Doula” in the Provider Search portal and call one of the plan’s doulas. Or call Enrollee Services at 202-467-2737.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEDICAID DOULA PROVIDER?

Please visit our Become a Doula Provider page to learn how to sign up.
 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For more information on doulas, email [email protected]
 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

More Resources