we are doulas
TDN Doulas are Change Agents
The Doula Network (TDN) is a doula-owned and managed organization that creates pathways for community-based birth doulas to be fully recognized maternal health professionals eligible for Medicaid and private insurance reimbursement.
TDN was established in 2019 with a fundamental belief that every birthing person should have access to affordable, safe, and collaborative perinatal care, and doulas should be considered an indispensable part of the birthing person's care team. Our objective is to unite key stakeholders such as doulas, health plan teams, community-based organizations, and Medicaid members to advocate for Medicaid reimbursement. We leverage technology, administrative support, and community resources to ease the burden of the Medicaid billing process. TDN envisions transforming maternal and infant health by providing doula services to every birthing person.
TDN pioneered a foundational system of doula services that is integrated into maternal health care. By aligning doulas, clients, health plans, communities, and technology, TDN improves the maternal health experience, maternal and infant outcomes, and reduces healthcare cost.
What is The Doula Network?
In the fall of 2019, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHC) and TDN embarked on an inaugural partnership to impact maternal health outcomes across Florida.
Together TDN and UHC created a referral network for UHC members in the Healthy First Steps Program. The Healthy First Steps Program provides expectant families with care management including information, education and support throughout their pregnancy journey. During monthly meetings of the Healthy First Steps Program and TDN, the TDN team shares monthly reporting of all members and discusses client updates. These meetings have created a strong web of support for expectant persons within UHC’s Healthy First Steps Program.
Due to the commitment of UHC to its pregnant members and the innovative program created by TDN, UHC members are able to receive doula services in all regions that UHC serves.
TDN and UnitedHealthcare
Community Plan
When I founded TDN in 2019, I imagined building a strong and robust network in Florida. I dreamed of expanding this work to other states one day - sometime in the future. I was keenly aware of some of the struggles that were coming by building a company that works within Medicaid. What I didn't know or expect was the explosive growth of not just TDN but of the interest in doula services. TDN has grown rapidly and now works in more than 10. We have contracts with over 20 health insurance carriers, including commercial insurance, employer health plans, and Medicaid plans.
In addition, the TDN team now includes 18 full time staff members remotely working from more than 7 states. There have been many challenges including working within the complex system of Medicaid while navigating different states and doula policies. However, with the support of a strong team, TDN has built a foundation that can hold the growth and support doula organizations in many different states As I look ahead, I do so with gratitude, awe, and joy at what has happened so far. I have hope, excitement, and justified anticipation for the growth that TDN will continue to experience.
~Elizabeth Simmons
A Note From Our CEO...
TDN Support Team
COO
Brianna Betton
Birth Doula
CEO and Founder
Elizabeth Simmons
Birth Doula
Expansion Pillar Lead
Abigail Batista
Data Pillar Lead
Ashley Self
Client Support Pillar Lead
Irma Morales
Client Support Specialist
Jennifer Rookey
Doula Support Pillar Lead
Sharon Lonix
Quality Pillar Lead
Sheena Lemon
Doula Credentialing Specialist
Vanessa Giorgio
The Doula Network
we are doulas
© 2023 by The Doula Network.