Health Net Doula Program
Doulas Now Offered to Support Your Birth Experience
Doulas offer support to expecting and new parents. And they’re covered by Health Net!
Pregnant and Postpartum Health Net members
Call Health Net to get matched with a doula in your area.
Call 1-800-675-6110 (TTY: 711).
Health Net members who are pregnant, or who were pregnant within the past year, are covered for doula services at no cost.
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 very 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 new parents 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 and they provide education, coaching, and support. But they do not have medical training and do not provide medical care. They do not offer clinical advice like a doctor or nurse does.
What doula services are included for Health Net members?
Health Net 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.
- Postpartum visits can last up to 3 hours.
Note: Doula care is also available for a pregnancy that ends in a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.
An Ob-Gyn doctor is glad she used a doula, and she recommends them to patients. Read her story.
How do I get a Doula?
Take one of the steps below to learn more about Doula services:
- Call Health Net at 1-800-675-6110 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- You can choose your own doula from your community or ask for help to find one that meets your needs.
- Health Net Doula Flyer (PDF)