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Doulas Now Offered to Support Your Birth Experience

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. 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.
  3. Call the State's Medi-Cal Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY: 1-800-430-7077).
Last Updated: 08/22/2024