California

• Anthem BCBS California (Elevance Health, Commercial)

• Health Net California (Medicaid, Commercial)

• Health Plan of San Mateo California (Medicaid)

• LA Care (Medicaid, Commercial)

• Positive Healthcare (Medicaid)

Colorado

• Anthem BCBS Colorado (Elevance Health, Commercial)

Connecticut

• Anthem BCBS Connecticut (Elevance Health, Commercial)

Florida

• Aetna Better Health of Florida (CVSH, Medicaid)

• Community Care Plan (Medicaid)

• Humana Healthy Horizons (Humana, Medicaid)

• Molina Healthcare of Florida (Molina, Medicaid)

• Simply Health Florida (Elevance Health, Medicaid)

• Sunshine Health (Centene, Medicaid)

• UHC Community Plan (UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid)

Georgia

• Anthem BCBS Georgia (Elevance Health, Commercial)

Indiana

• Anthem BCBS Indiana (Elevance Health, Commercial)

Iowa

• Iowa Total Care (Centene, Medicaid)

Kentucky

• Anthem BCBS Kentucky (Elevance Health, Commercial)

• UHC Community Plan (UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid)

Maine

• Anthem BCBS Maine (Elevance Health, Commercial)

Missouri

• Anthem BCBS Missouri (Elevance Health, Commercial)

• Healthy Blue (Elevance Health, Medicaid)

Nevada

• Anthem BCBS Nevada (Elevance Health, Commercial)

• Anthem Community Care (Elevance Health, Medicaid)

New Hampshire

• Anthem BCBS New Hampshire (Elevance Health, Commercial)

New York

• Anthem BCBS New York (Elevance Health, Commercial)

North Carolina

• UHC Community Plan (UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid)

Ohio

• Anthem BCBS Ohio (Elevance Health, Commercial)

Pennsylvania

• Amerihealth Caritas Pennsylvania (Independence Health Group, Medicaid)

• WellSpan Health (Commercial)

Texas

• UHC Community Plan (UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid)

Virginia

• Anthem HealthKeepers Plus (Elevance Health, Medicaid)

Wisconsin

• Anthem BCBS Wisconsin (Elevance Health, Commercial)

• UHC Community Plan (UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid)

Before signing up for doula services, you need to confirm that TDN provides services in your state. You can check on the 'birthing persons' tab. If you know that TDN provides doula services in your region, you can click here to fill out the request form.

A birth doula is a trained non-medical companion who supports pregnant individuals before, during, and after birth. They serve as advocates in the birth space, assisting in making informed decisions. A doula provides hands-on support, educational resources, emotional support, and connects clients with the larger birthing community.

At this time, TDN doulas can support all births that occur in a birth center or hospital. Please understand that doulas do not perform medical procedures or offer medical advice.

When you work with a birth doula, you can expect pregnancy visits where you'll create a birth plan, get to know your doula, prepare for your birth, and learn comfort measures. During birth, your doula will support you through labor and delivery and stay with you for a short time after. They can also help with the initial stages of breastfeeding. After birth, your doula can provide resources, debrief your birthing experience, and assist with adjusting to life after birth.

For eligible clients, Medicaid covers birth doula support at no cost. This includes pregnancy and post-birth visits, with the option for virtual or in-person visits, and in-person labor and delivery support. The number of pregnancy and post-birth visits depends on your specific Medicaid plan.

If you're interested in having a doula support your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, you can click the 'Request a Doula' button at the bottom of our website to fill out a form. If you have additional questions, you can email referrals@thedoulanetwork.com or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment with us.

A doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and couples before, during, and after childbirth. The benefits of having a doula can be significant and include:

1. Emotional support: Doulas offer continuous emotional support, providing reassurance, comfort, and encouragement throughout labor and childbirth. They can help reduce anxiety and fear, which can contribute to a more positive birth experience.

2. Physical support: Doulas can assist with comfort measures such as positioning, massage, and relaxation techniques to help manage pain and discomfort during labor. They can also suggest breathing exercises and other strategies to cope with contractions.

3. Information and education: Doulas provide evidence-based information and guidance about the childbirth process, medical interventions, and various birthing options. They can help individuals make informed decisions about their care and advocate for their preferences.

4. Communication and advocacy: Doulas can communicate with healthcare providers on behalf of the birthing person, ensuring that their wishes and preferences are respected. They can help bridge the gap between the medical team and the family.

5. Reduced intervention rates: Research has shown that having a doula present during labor can lead to lower rates of medical interventions, such as cesarean sections, epidurals, and the use of Pitocin. Doulas can help individuals navigate the birthing process and potentially reduce the need for medical interventions.

6. Improved birth satisfaction: Many people report greater satisfaction with their birth experience when they have a doula's support. Having someone who is solely focused on their well-being can create a more positive and empowering birth experience.

7. Partner support: Doulas also support partners, providing guidance on how to best support the birthing person and offering relief when needed. This allows partners to actively participate in the birth without feeling overwhelmed.

8. Postpartum support: Some doulas offer postpartum services, helping with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional support during the early postpartum period. This can ease the transition into parenthood.

9. Decreased stress and anxiety: Doulas can help reduce stress and anxiety during labor by providing a calming presence, information, and support. Lower stress levels can lead to better birth outcomes.

10. Increased confidence: The presence of a doula can boost a birthing person's confidence, as they feel more prepared, informed, and supported throughout the birthing process.

References ::

1. Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7), CD003766.

2. Hodnett, E. D., Gates, S., Hofmeyr, G. J., & Sakala, C. (2013). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7), CD003766.