Paying for doula care: How it works

Doula support is a valuable addition to your delivery or early days and weeks with your little one. Whether you’re thinking about a birth doula, postpartum support, or even overnight newborn care, the benefits of doula care are clear. What’s not always clear? How to pay for it.

It’s no secret; doula care is an investment, and the cost can feel like a hurdle. But there are more ways to cover it than you might expect. From insurance reimbursements and employee benefits to payment plans and even baby registries, there are practical options available to help you afford the support you deserve. 

Are doulas covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, most private insurance plans do not cover doula services as a standard benefit.

Some families have successfully submitted for reimbursement when they work with certified doulas and use out-of-network benefits. In these cases, you would pay your doula directly, then submit a superbill (a detailed invoice) to your insurance provider. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, but it is worth exploring with your plan.

Does Medicaid cover doula care?

Medicaid coverage for doula care varies on a state-by-state basis; as of early 2025, 12 states are actively reimbursing doula care, with another 11 states in the process of implementing Medicaid doula programs. This exciting expansion of Medicaid coverage means that a growing number of families have access to comprehensive prenatal and postpartum support.

In Illinois, doula care is eligible to be covered through Medicaid when you work with a doula who has completed the state credentialing process. Like any health care service, it is important to find an in-network provider for the lowest cost; in this case, that means a doula who is enrolled with Medicaid in Illinois. Medicaid provides robust coverage for eligible doulas, so if you’re a Medicaid recipient in Illinois , it’s a good idea to ask potential doulas about their enrollment status.

Payment options for doula care

Even if your insurance plan won’t cover doula care directly, there are several other ways to pay for doula services.

Employment benefit coverage

Some employers offer family-building benefits that include coverage for pregnancy and postpartum support. These benefits often extend beyond medical care and may include doula services.

Even if your employer doesn’t have a dedicated fertility benefit in place, having the discussion with your HR department never hurts. You might learn of other benefits available to you and it will flag for your company that employees are interested.

Carrot Fertility

Covers both birth and postpartum doula care in many cases. Eligible members can use the Carrot platform to search for providers and learn more about their options. When it comes to doula care, Carrot provides a financial benefit members can use to cover the cost of care. One option is to use a Carrot Card to pay for eligible treatments and services at participating providers; another is to pay for services out-of-pocket and request reimbursement from Carrot.

Maven

Offers virtual and in-person doula support as part of their maternity care programs. Depending on your location and your company’s plan, you may have access to one-on-one care. Once you confirm you have access to Maven’s suite of services you download the app, being the onboarding process, and you’re connected with a Care Advocate who helps you connect with professionals who can support you. Maven also offers a benefit called Maven Wallet; a reimbursement-based coverage to cover out-of-pocket expenses.

Progyny

Known for fertility benefits but increasingly includes services that support pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Coverage varies, so check with your HR team or plan administrator for more information. If you have access to Progyny benefits you start by speaking with a Patient Care Advocate (PCA) who will confirm your eligibility, discuss your coverage, answer any questions you may have, and provide access to the Progyny app. From there you work alongside your PCA team and through the app to get the care you need.

Add doula services to your baby registry

Doula care is one of the most meaningful gifts someone can give to a growing family. With platforms like Babylist, you can now register for services, including birth and postpartum doula support, the same way you’d register for baby gear. Partum Health offers gift cards family and friends can purchase to contribute to your doula care.

For friends and family who may be unsure what to buy or who want to contribute something truly impactful, this kind of gift feels personal and lasting. It’s not just another onesie or swaddle, it’s a way to directly support your well-being during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Additional affordable doula care options

If private pay rates are out of reach, there are still several accessible alternatives:

• Doulas-in-Training: Many training programs require student doulas to attend a certain number of births or postpartum visits. These doulas often offer reduced rates or free services while completing their certification.
  
  
• Sliding Scale Options: Some doulas reserve a portion of their calendar for clients paying on a sliding scale. This makes support more accessible to a wider range of families.
  
  
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Depending on your plan, you may be able to use pre-tax dollars to pay for doula care. A letter of medical necessity from your provider can strengthen your case for reimbursement.
  
  
• Payment Plans: Many doulas are willing to create flexible payment schedules. Paying in installments throughout your pregnancy or postpartum period can help you budget for support.

Doula support can have a significant impact on your birth experience and postpartum recovery, but it’s true that the cost can be a barrier. Fortunately, there are more options than ever to help make this type of care accessible, whether through insurance, employment benefits, or flexible financial arrangements.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Our team at Partum Health can walk you through the options available in your area and help you find a doula who meets your needs and your budget.