DOULA CARE FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND HOSPITALS
Doulas are trained, non-medical support professionals who can help patients feel informed, prepared, respected, and supported before, during, and after birth.
What doulas do in clinical settings
Help patients prepare questions
Support birth planning
Provide emotional support
Offer comfort measures during labor
Support communication between patient and care team
Help partners and family members understand how to support the patient
Support postpartum planning
Connect families to community resources
What doulas do not do
Doulas do not provide clinical care.
Doulas do not replace nurses, midwives, physicians, or medical staff.
Doulas do not diagnose.
Doulas do not prescribe.
Doulas do not make medical decisions.
Doulas do not interfere with clinical judgment.
Suggested language for patients
“Doula care is now covered by Kansas Medicaid for eligible members. A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who can help you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Would you like information about finding a doula?”
Referral workflow
Identify a patient who may benefit from doula support.
Explain what a doula does.
Ask whether the patient wants information about doula care.
Follow current Medicaid/KMAP guidance for recommendation or referral.
Direct the patient to the KS Doulas directory.
Document the referral or recommendation when appropriate.
Coordinate with the doula only with patient consent.
For hospitals and health systems
Add doula information to prenatal education materials.
Train staff on doula scope of practice.
Create a simple doula-friendly visitor/support policy.
Build referral pathways for Medicaid members.
Partner with community-based doula organizations.
Include doula care in maternal health equity planning.