Forth Trimester Doula Support

    • Birth processing and check-ins on emotional wellbeing

    • Postpartum mood screening and wellness check

    • Space to talk through your recovery, challenges, and goals

    • Lactation support (breast/chest/bottle feeding guidance)

    • Newborn care education (bathing, soothing, sleep basics)

    • Safe sleep and infant development tips

    • Cesarean or vaginal healing guidance (non-clinical)

    • Nutrition tips and hydration reminders

    • Light movement or comfort measures as needed

    • Guidance with sibling transitions

    • Support with basic routines (babywearing, soothing)

    • Resource referrals for food, housing, or additional services

    • Support in understanding warning signs of complications

    • Help navigating medical follow-up, WIC, or insurance

    • Referrals to therapists, lactation consultants, or pelvic floor PTs

    • Emotional Support & Birth Processing

    • Feeding & Recovery Guidance

    • Discharge Prep & Family Transitions

Medi-Cal Postpartum Doula Support Overview

As of January 1, 2023, Medi-Cal offers doula services that encompass emotional, physical, and informational support during the postpartum period, extending up to one year after childbirth. ​CalDHS

Covered Postpartum Services Include:

  • Emotional and Physical Support: Assistance with the emotional and physical challenges following childbirth.​

  • Lactation Support: Guidance and assistance with breastfeeding practices.​

  • Newborn Care Education: Information on infant care, including feeding, bathing, and sleeping routines.​

  • Recovery Guidance: Support for the birthing individual's physical recovery process.​

  • Resource Connection: Linking families to community-based resources and support networks.​

  • Visit Structure:

  • Initial Visit: One extended initial visit lasting 90 minutes.​Medi-Cal

  • Extended Postpartum Visits: Up to two extended postpartum visits, each lasting three hours. ​

Service Delivery Options:

Doulas can provide services in various settings, including:​

  • In-Home Visits: Personalized support within the comfort of your home.

  • Virtual Sessions: Phone or video calls.

  • Community Settings: Support in community centers, hospitals or clinics.​

  • Eligibility and Access

    • Who Qualifies: All Medi-Cal members who are pregnant or have been pregnant within the past year, including those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. ​

    • Referral Requirements: No referral from a physician or healthcare provider is necessary to access doula services. ​

    • Cost: Doula services are covered at no cost to Medi-Cal members.

How to Access Medi-Cal Postpartum Doula Services

  1. Confirm Medi-Cal Eligibility: Ensure you are enrolled in Medi-Cal.​

  2. Find a Medi-Cal-Approved Doula: Search for doulas registered with Medi-Cal in your area.​

  3. Schedule Services: Contact the doula directly to arrange postpartum support sessions.​

  4. Receive Support: Engage in the covered services as outlined above.​

Our Service Areas