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Doulas Now Offered to Support Your Birth Experience

Doulas offer support to expecting and new parents. And they’re covered by Medi-Cal!

Pregnant and Postpartum Medi-Cal members

Call Health Net to get matched with a doula in your area.

Call 1-800-675-6110 (TTY:711).

Medi-Cal members who are pregnant, or who were pregnant within the past year, are covered for doula services at no cost to them.

Image of pregnant woman with doula

What is a doula?

A doula is like a birth helper. They help pregnant people before, during, and after childbirth.

Having a doula can be really helpful for parents. Here's why:

  • Education and Emotional Support: Doulas can help parents feel confident and prepared for their baby’s birth. Doulas offer guidance during pregnancy and the birth process. They can help families plan and make good choices.
  • Physical Comfort: Doulas can offer physical support during labor, such as helpful positions and guided breathing.
  • Better births: Doula care is linked to a more positive birthing experience and better health outcomes.
  • Postpartum Support: Doulas can help parents after the baby’s birth with things like breastfeeding and newborn care.

Note: Doulas are part of a care team, but they do not have medical training. They do not offer clinical advice like a doctor or nurse does.


An Ob-Gyn doctor is glad she used a doula and she recommends them to patients.

Read her story

What doula services are included for Medi-Cal members?

Medi-Cal covers:

  • Initial 90-minute visit to meet and get to know each other.
  • Up to 8 more visits
    • These visits can be pre-birth and after birth.
  • Support during labor and birth.
  • Up to 2 more visits after birth
    • Talk with the doula about breastfeeding, mental health, sleeping patterns or any other concerns.
    • Visits can last up to 3 hours.

Note: Doula care is also available for a pregnancy that ends in a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.

How do I get a doula?

Take one of the steps below to learn more about Doula services:

  1. Call Health Net at 1-800-675-6110 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    • Choose your own doula, or ask for help to find one that meets your needs.
  2. Call the State's Medi-Cal Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY: 1-800-430-7077).

Mahmee

If you prefer an online support program (which also offers in-person services in some counties), contact the Mahmee organization at 1-818-431-1118 and visit Mahmee.

  • Health Net Medi-Cal members may select Mahmee's team-based service, or work with an individual doula, but not both.
  • Operating hours for Mahmee:
    Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pacific time, and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific time.
Last Updated: 11/07/2024