Doula Services

Doula services are available during:

• Pregnancy.
• Birth (including still birth).
• Abortion.
• Miscarriage (pregnancy loss).

Doula services are covered for HPSM Medi-Cal, CareAdvantage and HealthWorx (HMO) members at no cost. A recommendation from our primary care provider (PCP), OB provider or abortion provider is required to get doula services. If you do not have a provider that can give you a recommendation, learn how to get one. or call:

Covered doula services

One doula is covered during each stage of pregnancy. Members can use one doula for all stages, if possible, or one doula for each stage. For example, one doula can provide services during pregnancy and another doula can provide services after birth. Doula services are covered up to one year after birth.

There are different types of doulas that perform different roles:

• Birth doulas give continuous care during labor and delivery.
• Emotional support that reduces stress and anxiety among birthing people. They can also help you create a birth plan.
• Prenatal (before birth) doulas support pregnant people on bed rest to prevent early birth. They help with household tasks and childcare.
• Health Navigators help find healthcare services and other local resources.
• Postpartum (after birth) doulas support pregnant people during the first few weeks after birth, helping take care of and feed the baby, as well as some household tasks.
• Pregnancy loss doulas support families that have experienced pregnancy loss due to termination, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
• Abortion doulas support pregnant people choosing to end the pregnancy

A provider's recommendation for doula services includes the following visits:

• The first visit.
• A combination of eight total prenatal and postpartum visits.
• Support during labor and delivery (including labor resulting in stillbirth, abortion or miscarriage).
• Up to two extended postpartum visits (maximum three hours each) after the end of a pregnancy.
• Support during and after abortion services.

If more care is needed after birth, up to nine more postpartum visits may be covered with another doula recommendation from an OB provider or PCP.

Doula services not covered

How to get doula services

1. Get a recommendation for doula services from a primary care provider (PCP), OB provider, or abortion provider. If you do not have a provider to ask, learn how to get one or call:
2. Look in the Provider Directory for Doulas in HPSM’s provider Network.
3. Make your first doula appointment.

Frequently asked questions