No one ever said giving birth was easy – it’s physically draining, mentally taxing, and emotionally overwhelming. But research shows that doulas are significantly linked with a positive (and maybe even easier) birthing experience, and their support ultimately leads to improved birth outcomes. It sounds like a parent’s dream, but what exactly does a doula do? And are doulas covered by health insurance?
A doula is a non-clinical care provider who offers emotional and physical support, education, and advocacy tools to the birthing person and their partner, says Latham Thomas, a birth doula and founder of Mama Glow. “They’re professionals who come in to do the extra handholding because they know how to navigate the terrain of the birthing spaces, whether that’s a hospital, birthing center, or home birth,” she says. “Doulas are like a cheerleader for your birth.”
On a broader scale, there are various types of trained doulas who support people through major life transitions, including birth, postpartum, menstruation, abortion, and bereavement, Thomas says. It’s a role that has evolved over the ages, but having a name for it and professionalizing the work has brought awareness to the field and the major benefits it has to offer, she explains.
Every doula is different, but the overarching intention is to create a judgment-free environment during an otherwise hectic and overwhelming time, says Kristin Revere, a birth doula and owner of Gold Coast Doulas. How you utilize a doula is up to you, she says, but the goal is to support the parent and family with evidence-based information and to foster a safe, empowering birth experience.
The concept of a doula is quite beautiful, but you may be wondering how accessible doula care is for you. Here, we break down everything you need to know about hiring a doula – including how much they cost, whether they’re covered by health insurance, and how to find one that’s right for you.
Experts Featured in This Article
Latham Thomas is a birth doula and founder of Mama Glow, a premiere doula and maternity brand and online doula training program.
Kristin Revere is a birth doula, newborn care specialist, and owner of Gold Coast Doulas.
How Much Does a Doula Cost?
There isn’t a clear-cut answer to this question because it depends on your location, needs, and the experience of the doula, but larger markets are pricier than smaller cities, says Revere. Whether they work through an agency or on their own, it’s also common for doulas to increase their prices with more experience, she says.
New York City and Los Angeles are typically the most expensive areas, so a younger doula in these cities with less experience may start around $1,500 to $2,000, while a more acclaimed doula can range from $2,500 to $3,500 (depending on how many births they’ve done), Thomas says. On the higher end, a doula with years of experience and hundreds of births under their belt could be upward of $6,000, she says.
Geography plays a huge role in pricing, so the cost of a doula could start as low as $400 in areas with less demand, Revere says. Some doulas also work on a sliding scale system and are willing to adjust fees depending on your accessibility and income, she adds.
As for what’s included in the price, it also depends on the doula. Every doula has a different structure, but the price typically includes at least one prenatal visit, the birth, and one postnatal visit, Revere says. Some doulas offer more expansive packages with three or more prenatal/postnatal visits, along with add-ons like lactation consultations, birth photography, and sibling care, she says.
Are Doulas Covered Under Health Insurance?
It depends. Fortunately, there’s an increasing number of insurance providers that have doula benefits, some of which cover the entire cost, while others cover just a portion, Thomas says. Typically, you’ll still have to pay out of pocket before submitting claim receipts (many doulas accept payment plans), but the specifics really come down to your provider and policy, she says.
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), Thomas also recommends talking to your HR department about the ways you might use that funding toward paying for a doula. And if you or your partner are in the military, TRICARE offers certain military benefits for birth doula support, Revere adds.
To help guide you through the process and learn more about your options, Revere recommends the Maven app, which partners with more than 2,000 employers and health plans to deliver benefit management for birthing folks and families.
Additionally, almost every state now has a doula-based program that is eligible for or covered by Medicaid, Thomas says. Not all doulas and agencies accept Medicaid, but if you’re interested in care, a doula can almost always refer you to a provider within the Medicaid network if they are not, adds Revere.
Many states and organizations also offer pro bono doula services for the underinsured, Thomas says. For example, the Mama Glow Foundation provides pro bono services through the city of New York and offers doula care across 33 zip codes to vulnerable and underserved neighborhoods. The Joy In Birthing Foundation also offers pro bono doula services to low-income families throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
How to Find the Right Doula For You
If you’re interested in hiring a doula, it’s never too early to start exploring your options, says Revere. Ideally, most people should start looking in their first or second trimester so they have time to build a relationship, though it is possible to connect with a doula in your third trimester, she adds.
When it comes to cost and affordability, Thomas first recommends reaching out to your insurance provider and/or HR representative. From there, they can break down your in-network coverage options (if any) and direct you on the best way to submit payment claims. Her best tip? Ask lots of questions and do your research. “If someone wants a doula, they can have it,” Thomas says. “There’s always a pathway.”
Mama Glow also offers a bespoke matching service that connects you with one of their 3,000 doulas depending on your needs and accessibility, and DONA International provides a searchable doula database based on your location.
Thomas and Revere both agree that the biggest priority when you’re in the market for a doula is trust. A doula should bring a safe, calm, humanizing birthing experience into the room, so find one that supports you and your family’s needs. “From day one, we want to build trust and intimacy with our client,” Thomas says. “Our job is to create a safe space.”
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
