Frequently Asked Questions

While most people think they have similar functions, doulas, and midwives actually have vastly different training, duties, and certifications. 

 Role: Midwives provide medical care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, while doulas offer emotional and physical support without medical intervention.  

Think of a doula as an expecting mother’s BFF. The word doula is actually Greek for woman’s servant. Your bond develops long before the due date, as you both plan how you’d like the birthing process to go, and learn the answers to the many questions you likely have.  There are two types of doulas: birth and postpartum.

 The main job of the birth doula (or labor doula) is to be by your side offering nonmedical techniques during labor, such as breathing, massage, and helping you move into different body positions. 

 After birth, postpartum doulas help new parents as they recover from the birthing process. This can include caring for the infant and providing lactation support. 

 A virtual doula offers the same services as an in-person doula, but all interactions take place online. Using video calls, messaging, and other digital tools, virtual doulas can provide continuous support before, during, and after childbirth. Whether it’s answering questions, providing emotional reassurance, or guiding you through breathing techniques during labor, virtual doulas are a flexible and convenient way to access the care you need. 

Virtual doula services are designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule and provide you with real-time support, regardless of your location. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Initial Consultation: You’ll meet your virtual doula via video call to discuss your birth plan, preferences, and any concerns. This helps your doula understand how best to support you throughout the process.
2. Ongoing Communication: Your doula will be available for regular check-ins leading up to your due date, answering any questions you have and offering emotional support.
3. Labor Support: When you go into labor, your doula will be available virtually, offering real-time advice, helping you stay calm, and providing techniques to manage pain and stress.
4. Postpartum Care: After the birth, your doula will continue to support you with follow-up calls, addressing postpartum recovery, breastfeeding challenges, and emotional well-being.

A recommendation for services authorizes all of the following: 

• One initial visit.

• Up to eight additional visits that may be provided in any combination of prenatal and postpartum visits. 

• Support during labor and delivery (including labor and delivery resulting in a stillbirth), abortion or miscarriage. 

• Up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits after the end of a pregnancy. 

 The following services for pregnant or postpartum beneficiaries are not covered as Medi-Cal doula services and are not covered under Medi-Cal: 

• Belly binding (traditional/ceremonial) 

• Birthing ceremonies (i.e., sealing, closing the bones, etc.) 

• Group classes on babywearing 

• Massage (maternal or infant) 

• Still and Video Photography 

• Placenta encapsulation 

• Shopping • Vaginal steams 

• Yoga 

Doula services do not include diagnosis of medical conditions, provision of medical advice, or any type of clinical assessment, exam, or procedure.