Welcome
Loula helps you find a doula who fits your family, your values, and your birth plans. Doula care is covered by Medi-Cal and many other health plans, and we handle the paperwork so you and your doula can focus on each other.
This guide explains how it works and what we ask of everyone in the Loula community.
How it works
Start the process at match.joinloula.com.
Complete you insurance verification check. This is a quick, simple process that requires your Member ID with your insurance plan.
Tell us about yourself. Fill out our intake form. We'll check your insurance at the same time.
Find your doula. Browse our directory and request a doula you like, or ask our Care Navigator to suggest one for you.
Hear back within 48 hours. Your doula will accept if they're available for a consult. If they can't, we'll help you find someone else.
Meet for a free consult. Once your doula accepts, we'll email you both an introduction. Your doula will reach out to schedule a 15-minute consult.
Decide together. If you both feel it's a fit, it's a match. If not, that's okay. We'll help you keep looking.
Your privacy
Before a doula accepts your request, they see only your due date, general location, and any special circumstances you shared about your pregnancy. Your name and contact info stay private until they accept.
What your doula does
Your doula is a trained care professional. They support you emotionally, physically, and with information through pregnancy, birth, and recovery.
Your doula can help with:
Prenatal visits to prepare for birth
Support during labor and birth, including VBAC and cesarean births
Postpartum visits for recovery, feeding, and adjusting to life with your baby
Support during or after pregnancy loss
Your doula isn't:
A babysitter or nanny for your baby or other children
A housekeeper, cook, or personal assistant
Someone who runs errands for you
If you need help beyond doula care, ask your doula or our team. We're happy to point you to other resources.
Our community agreement
The doula relationship works best when it's built on mutual respect. Most families and doulas do this naturally. These agreements make it clear for everyone.
What we ask of families
Treat your doula with kindness. Your doula is a person who chose this work because they care. Raised voices, insults, and pressure aren't okay, even on hard days.
Respect their boundaries. When your doula says no to something, please accept it. Their limits help them care for you well.
Keep requests within doula care. Please don't ask your doula to babysit, clean, cook, or run errands, unless you've both signed a separate agreement for you to pay for those services out of pocket.
Keep billing honest. Your doula can only bill your insurance for care they actually provide. Asking them to bill for something else puts your benefits and their career at risk.
Work together on scheduling. Your doula sets their own hours so they can rest and be ready for births at any hour, including yours. Some days, they may have been up all night supporting another family. Share your availability early, and be open to finding a time that works for you both.
Communicate when plans change. If you no longer want postpartum support, or need to cancel a visit, tell your doula as soon as you can. A quick message means a lot to someone who has been caring for you.
What you can expect from your doula
Respectful, judgment-free care that honors your choices
Clear communication about what they offer and when they're available
Showing up for scheduled visits, or giving you notice if they can't
Protecting your privacy
If these agreements aren't followed, Loula may step in. That could mean a check-in, ending the connection, or pausing access to referrals.
If something goes wrong
We support both you and your doula. If something doesn't feel right, email [email protected]. Our team will listen, follow up, and help find a way forward.
FAQ
Getting started
Is doula care really free with my insurance? If you're on Medi-Cal, yes. Doula care has been a covered Medi-Cal benefit since January 2023. Many commercial plans cover it too, including Kaiser Permanente and Health Net. We check your coverage for free.
Will I owe anything out of pocket? Covered services cost you nothing. Some doulas offer extras insurance doesn't cover, like placenta encapsulation or massage. These are always optional, clearly priced, and need a separate agreement with your doula.
How do I get started? Fill out our intake form at match.joinloula.com. We'll check your coverage and help you find a doula, at no cost.
How long does it take to find a doula? We start reviewing your intake within 2 business days. After that, timing depends on doula availability and your needs.
Finding your doula
How do you choose doulas for me? We start with your location and health plan, then consider any special needs or language preferences you shared. We look for doulas who accept your insurance and are available around your due date.
What training do Loula doulas have? Every doula meets our requirements before joining. They've either completed at least 16 hours of training in lactation support, childbirth education, and labor support and attended 3 births, or they have at least 5 years of experience with references from clients and healthcare providers. All are CPR certified and HIPAA trained.
Do doulas speak languages other than English? Yes. Check a doula's directory profile to see which languages they speak.
Can I check references? We don't share references directly, but you're welcome to ask about your doula's experience during your consult.
Does a consult mean I have to work with that doula? No. The consult is a chance for both of you to see if it's a fit.
What if my doula doesn't respond? Doulas have 48 hours to respond. If yours doesn't, we'll help you find someone else.
What if I want to switch doulas? Email [email protected] and we'll help you find a better fit. Visits already billed can't be reclaimed.
Your visits
What's covered?
A 90-minute first visit to talk through your needs and birth plan
8 more visits to use before birth, after birth, or both
Support during labor and birth
2 extended postpartum visits
Does every doula offer the same number of visits? Not always. Your insurance sets the overall benefit, but each doula packages visits a bit differently. Talk with yours about what works best for you.
Can visits be virtual? Yes. Visits can be in person or by phone or video, depending on what you and your doula agree on.
Will I have the same doula the whole time? That's up to you. Some families keep one doula from start to finish. Others choose different doulas for prenatal, birth, and postpartum support.
Will my doula be at the hospital when I give birth? If you'd like them there, yes. Talk through their plan ahead of time. Let them know as soon as labor starts, even if it's a false alarm or the middle of the night. If things move fast, they can support you by phone until they arrive.
Can my partner join visits? Yes. Your partner or support person is always welcome.
Can I get postpartum support only? Yes, even if you didn't use any visits during pregnancy.
Can I change my mind about postpartum support? Yes. Just let your doula know as soon as you can.
What if I need more support after my visits run out? If you have Medi-Cal, you may qualify for 9 more postpartum visits. Your doctor, midwife, or nurse can write a letter recommending the extra support.
Pregnancy loss and abortion
Is doula support available after a miscarriage or stillbirth? Yes. Your benefit includes doula support, emotional care, and grief resources.
Does coverage include support after an abortion? Yes. Abortion support is part of your covered benefit.
Still have questions?
Email [email protected]. We're here for you.