What Is a Doula and How Can They Help?

A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike medical providers, doulas focus on helping you feel informed, calm, and empowered throughout your pregnancy and birth journey.

Studies show that having a doula can:

• Lower the risk of C-sections and medical interventions

• Improve satisfaction with the birth experience

• Support successful breastfeeding

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression

By adding doula coverage, Medi-Cal aims to reduce health disparities and make high-quality birth support accessible for all California families.

What Doula Services Does Medi-Cal Cover?

Medi-Cal’s doula benefit includes a wide range of services throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum:

• Prenatal visits (up to eight): Help with birth planning, education, and preparing for labor

• Labor and delivery support: Continuous presence during childbirth for comfort, advocacy, and emotional guidance

• Postpartum visits (at least four): Recovery check-ins, newborn care, and feeding support

• Extended visits: Extra sessions available with a provider’s recommendation for ongoing postpartum care

These visits are completely covered by Medi-Cal, meaning you pay $0 out of pocket.

Can I Get A Doula From Malama?

Yes! Malama is a Medi-Cal-approved doula and care support group. You can match with a doula and get extra support services that complements your care. Malama’s holistic support helps pregnant and postpartum families connect with:

• Nutrition and meal support programs for recovery and lactation

• Lactation counseling to support breastfeeding success

• Housing, transportation, and legal referrals for stability and safety

• Social support to reduce stress during the transition to parenthood

• Mental health services for prenatal and postpartum well-being

Key Takeaway

Medi-Cal covers doula services in California.

Eligible members can receive up to eight prenatal visits, support during labor, and multiple postpartum sessions — all at no cost.

With Malama’s Extra Care support, families gain access to wraparound resources like housing, meals, and mental health support — creating a stronger, more supported start to parenthood. 👉 See if you qualify for doula and Extra Care with Malama.