Doula Benefit

January of 2023, Department of Health Care Services added Doula Services as a Covered Benefit under Medi-Cal. A huge step in access for families and battling maternal mortality rates across California. Learn More Here

Covered Services

Through The Benefit the following Services are covered by a Medi-Cal Enrolled Doula.

  • 1 Initial VIsit

  • up to 8 Perinatal Visits (these can be used in any combination during pregnancy and/or postpartum)

  • Labor and Delivery Support (regardless of outcome: Vaginal, VBAC, Cesarean, Miscarriage, or Abortion)

  • up to 2 Extended 3 Hour Postpartum Visits

  • up to 9 additional Postpartum visits (With an additional recommendation form from your provider)

That’s up to 20 visits and Labor support!

Services not covered by Medi-Cal

The Following Services are not covered by Medi-Cal at all! These crucial services may be provided by your doula at a cost but will require you to obtain a separate agreement with your doula.

  • Belly binding (traditional/ceremonial) 

  • Birthing ceremonies (i.e., sealing, closing the bones, etc.) 

  • Group classes on babywearing 

  • Massage (maternal or infant) 

  • Photography 

  • Placenta encapsulation 

  • Shopping for the client

  • Vaginal steams 

  • Yoga

Services Covered by Medi-Cal but Not by Your Doula

The following Services are covered by Medi-Cal but not approved for your Doula to provide them. If you are interested in any of these we recommend you reach out to your Primary Care Provider or Health Insurance.

  • Behavioral health services

  • Belly binding after cesarean section by clinical personnel

  • Clinical case coordination

  • Health care services related to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period

  • Childbirth education group classes

  • Comprehensive health education including orientation, assessment, and planning (Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program services)

  • Hypnotherapy (non-specialty mental health service)

  • Lactation consulting, group classes, and supplies

  • Nutrition services (assessment, counseling, and development of care plan)

    Transportation

  • Medically appropriate Community Supports services

  • or any other services that Medi-Cal provides through other providers