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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Doula Services Covered Under Insurance?
If you are a Medi-Cal recipient in California, you have full coverage of doula services. Certain commercial insurance companies are starting to cover doula services for their members as well. It's important to check with your insurance to confirm coverage details.
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What is typically covered under insurance:
*1 initial extended visit
*8 perinatal (prenatal or postpartum) visits
*Support during vaginal, VBAC, or Cesarean
labor & delivery
*Support for abortion or miscarriage
*2 extended postpartum visits
*9 additional postpartum visits with a 2nd recommendation
What is the Evidence on the Effectiveness of Doulas?
Are Doulas Really That Helpful?
Yes! We are!
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Research shows that by having continuous labor support from a doula, you and your baby are more likely to have better birth outcomes! This includes reduced rates of Cesarean, decreased used of medications for pain relief, increased rates of spontaneous vaginal birth and shorter labor times.
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FOR MORE EVIDENCE-BASED INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF DOULAS, PLEASE VISIT:
What is the Difference Between a Doula and a Midwife?
The most significant difference between a doula and midwife is that midwives are medical providers and doulas are not. A doula cannot perform any clinical or medical task such as vaginal examinations, taking blood pressure readings, checking fetal heart tones, and they are not able to prescribe medications. Doulas cannot deliver babies.
Therefore, if you are seeking medical support, a midwife is the practitioner to see, but if you're seeking only physical, emotional and informational support, finding a doula may work for you.
What Is A Full Spectrum Doula?
A full spectrum doula or birthworker supports all reproductive experiences, not just birth. This may include miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, infant loss, adoption and fertility. Services are extended to offer informed support for women, men, transgender and non-gender conforming individuals. Full spectrum birthwork is rooted in the reproductive justice movement.