Medi-Cal Partnership covers doula services
Partnership/ Medi-Cal, Kaiser, and Health Net are covering doula services from pregnancy until baby is 1 year old, they also cover when things don't go as planned and we can be there for you at no cost.
There is no referral needed for Partnership Medi-Cal or Kaiser Medi-Cal you can directly contact me for specific insurance coverage and I will check your eligibility and we can get started. We are out of network with Anthem and Blue Shield but can bill them for services they are still developing their commercial doula benefits.
707 832 2929 or if best your care provider can fax a referral to us FAX 707.968.4779
Insurance Covered Services
What is covered
as of 1/01/23
11 Visits are covered to use for Pre-natal or Postpartum support. Birth support is covered in any location
Support can be via telephone, virtual or in person
Abortion and support for loss at any time is also covered
Where are prenatal and postpartum visits done?
Serving Mendocino, Lake, and Sonoma County
Visits can be in-home or your preferred location some clients like to meet at the park or the grocery store.
Phone and virtual visits are an option
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What if I only want certain visits or support?
You can choose what areas of support sound best for you. Do you only want visits after baby arrives? Just one visit when you get back from the hospital? You create the plan.
Does a doula have specific opinions of parenting?
I do not have opinions or bias on how pregnancy, birth, and when baby arrives should look. Your vision and values will be fully supported by me and I will advocate for what your preferences are. I have supported medicated births, unmedicated births in home and mostly in-hospitals, scheduled inductions, scheduled cesarean births. I love helping with feeding if the support is needed and encourage any method that feels right to you.
Does a doula try to take the role of my birth partner?
You choose who you want to be in the role of your birth partner and the doula should support your preference. If you want your partner to be the main support person the doula can provide space for that and or guide the partner to better support you.
Would I need a doula if I have a midwife or I'm birthing in a hospital? There are nurses to support me right
In the hospital the doula is the only provider that can be with you continuously during your progress towards birthing your baby. The nurses and midwives are caring for others, focusing on the health of you and baby, and change shifts every 10 or 12 hours so most likely you will have shorter visits with them. They are there at your call but often you would be in your birthing suite just you and your partner. If they are not busy many nurses will be very supportive and some provide physical comfort measures. A doula's role is providing continuous emotional and physical support for just you.
Why would I need a doula if my birth partner is on board?
Doulas have the endurance and experience of birth that your partner may need to rely on so they can fully support you and stay energized or focused in the role you need from them. Often the doula is running errands to ensure the birthing partner has had food and rest. Your Doula also knows positioning and techniques to help with babies position and dilation. Doula's have a good relationship with the hospital or birthing center staff well and we have lactation knowledge.
I feel a little unsure of having a woman in my birthing space with my partner, can my doula be a safe person?
The light is on you for your experience and journey as a new parent. Your doula will be a safe professional provider that will focus on lifting you and your partner up as a beautiful birthing team. It is helpful to first share your concerns or past trauma so the doula can be sensitive to your needs. If you feel any worries rising please share with your doula right away as it is common to feel things come up and sometimes a little reassurance is needed.
MENDOCINO COAST DOULAS
