Doula Services Tip Sheet
Download Tip Sheet
Doula Services Slide Deck
Download Slide Deck
Doula Services: Tip Sheet for Care Managers
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals during pregnancy, labor, birth, loss, and postpartum.
What Doulas Do:
✔️ Physical & emotional support
✔️ Childbirth education & lactation support
✔️ Advocacy for patient preferences
✔️ Assistance with comfort measures during labor
✔️ Encouragement for patient decision-making
They are not:
❌ Medical providers (they do NOT perform exams, interpret fetal monitoring, catch babies, or make medical decisions)
❌ Hospital employees
___________________________________________________________________________
Why Doulas Matter in Perinatal Care
Improved Outcomes:
- Higher rates of vaginal birth & shorter labors
- Less need for pain medication & cesareans
- Lower rates of NICU admissions
- Increased patient satisfaction & engagement
Addressing Racial Disparities
Black women are 3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Community-based doulas improve outcomes by:
- Providing culturally competent support
- Building trusting relationships
- Enhancing engagement in care & advocacy
___________________________________________________________________________
How Can Care Managers Help?
- Increase Doula Access for Patients:
- Educate patients about doulas and their benefits.
- Make referrals to local doula services.
- Advocate for doula-friendly policies in healthcare settings.
- Recognize doulas are especially beneficial for:
- Patients of color
- Patients with trauma histories
- Patients with limited support systems
Key Advocacy Point:
Doulas are part of the care team, NOT visitors. They should be included in birth plans, medical discussions, and care coordination.
___________________________________________________________________________
Doulas & The Birth Experience
Patient Testimonial:
"I have a hard time speaking up for myself, but with my doula there, I didn't need to. She made sure the nurses and doctor knew what I wanted. This was my best delivery yet!"
Trauma & Birth Experiences
Many birthing people report feeling dismissed, unsupported, or traumatized in medical settings.
Doulas help bridge this gap by:
- Encouraging self-advocacy
- Enhancing communication with healthcare teams
- Providing continuous support
___________________________________________________________________________
Common Questions
Are doulas trained or licensed? - Training varies; some states (e.g., RI) require certification for Medicaid reimbursement.
Are doulas covered by insurance? - Some Medicaid & private insurance plans cover doula services in select states.
How do doulas integrate with care teams? Doulas collaborate with medical staff and should be welcomed into care discussions for holistic support.