Need a Doula? Medi-Cal & Insurance May Cover Your Care
Serving all California counties virtually as a Medi-Cal enrolled provider. If you are pregnant or up to one year postpartum and have Medi-Cal, you may qualify for fully covered doula support at no cost – no referral needed.
Finally, insurance is recognizing that mamas deserve special care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. If you are pregnant or have been pregnant within the last year—regardless of the outcome (including miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth)—and have Medi-Cal or a commercial insurance plan that covers doula services in California, you may qualify for fully covered doula support at no cost to you. Medi-Cal doula care includes prenatal, birth, and postpartum visits to ensure you receive the guidance and support you need.
What is Included?
- 1 Initial Visit To Get Started
- 8 1-hour visits, which can include prenatal and/or postpartum support.
- 3 extended 3-hour postpartum visits after the end of a pregnancy.
- Up to 9 additional postpartum visits with a recommendation from a primary care provider.
The DHCS has issued a standing recommendation which means you don't need a referral from your Primary Care Physician to receive this care. That means we can get started right away!
Medi-Cal Doula Services
Having a doula by your side during pregnancy, birth and postpartum can make a significant difference in your birth and postpartum experience, positively affecting your overall well-being.
Whether you are a first-time mother or have had multiple pregnancies, having a doula to support and guide you through this journey is an invaluable asset to have on your birth and postpartum journey.
The Difference Between a Birth and Postpartum Doula
When most people hear that I am a doula, they automatically think that I am a birth doula (if they even know what a doula is). Even the concept of “doula” is new for most people. Birth doulas are mainly focused on preparing for, and supporting the birth.
Currently (and unfortunately) it is very common to only think about the birth, and leave recovery for “when we get there”. Postpartum doulas help mamas both prepare for and support mamas during their recovery from giving birth.
Both birth doulas and postpartum doulas are important, and I think it’s wonderful that the California Department of Health Care Services realizes that!
Medi-Cal Doula Offerings
Pre-Natal Services
Postpartum Recovery Education
In this private 4-part virtual coaching series, you will learn The Holistic Recovery Method, where together, we will go over the step by step system to help you fully recover from birth. The Holistic Recovery Method is divided into the 4 phases of postpartum healing.
Phase 1: Rekindle
Reignite your internal heat that was lost from birth. Rekindle your energy, digestion, and circulation for womb healing and restful sleep.
Phase 2: Rebuild
Build your strength, energy and milk supply for strong vitality for both you and your baby.
Phase 3: Rejuvenate
Heal your exhaustion while revitalizing your body, and the connection to yourself.
Phase 4: Recover
Retain your vital energy by gradually transitioning away from your postpartum healing routine and into your new life as a mama.
During our 4 sessions, you will also be given additional resources to help you plan for your optimal postpartum recovery*
Postpartum Services
Postpartum Doula Support (in person/virtual) It’s so very important to have the support after birth from someone who understands what you are going through, and knows how to best support your postpartum recovery. I will offer you a compassionate listening ear, and help you navigate your postpartum healing, sleep, emotions, nourishment, breastfeeding, baby care, as well as help connect you with helpful resources.
**Note to Medi-Cal Mamas: If you would like to learn the Holistic Recovery Method, but would also like in-person postpartum doula support, and I am not physically in your area, that is no problem! You can work with me AND have another doula that is covered by Medi-Cal.
Real Mamas, Real Transformations
Discover why new mothers trust Ameya. Hear from our community about their experiences and the exceptional support they received.
Thanks to Ameya’s warm guidance and my own preparation, I had a smooth, soothing postpartum experience. The practices I learned were the pillars of my having a positive, speedy postpartum recovery. I highly recommend mamas learning the Holistic Recovery Method during their pregnancy!
I absolutely feel that what I learned helped my recovery. Just a few weeks after giving birth, I was feeling very impressed and empowered with my body and all it had accomplished. It helped me focus on nourishing my body and take the time I needed to recover physically.
I highly recommend Ameya and the Holistic Recovery Method . She is very knowledgeable and helpful in leading an postpartum educational based program that teaches you how to care for yourself.
Learning the Holistic Recovery Method with Ameya is not too difficult and provides more ease of having preparation and ritual of scheduling to anchor and ground after birth and focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medi-Cal cover postpartum doula services in California?
Yes! On January 1, 2023, to improve birth outcomes, the Medi-Cal doula benefit officially took effect. It covers prenatal, birth, and postpartum support.
How many doula visits does Medi-Cal cover?
There is a standing recommendation which allows for 11 visits, plus support during the birth, without needing anything from your doctor. Although, your doctor can recommend you have access to 9 (sometimes more) additional visits.
Can I use Medi-Cal for a virtual doula?
Absolutely!
Do I need a referral from my doctor to use my Medi-Cal doula benefit?
No, not for the the first 12 visits. A doctor’s recommendation can authorize additional visits though.
What does a Medi-Cal postpartum doula visit include?
It depends. Different mamas have different needs. There are a wide variety of ways postpartum doulas can help. Postpartum education, mental/emotional support, dietary support, resource planning and care navigation are just some of the ways doulas help mothers.
What if I want in-person support but my doula is virtual?
There is no requirement to stay with the same doula for your entire experience. You may even have multiple doulas supporting you who specialize in different areas (ie birth doulas and postpartum doulas)
When can I start — during pregnancy or only after birth?
The benefit becomes available when you become pregnant and continues until 1 year after the birth event (whatever the outcome, ie live baby, miscarriage, or abortion.)