What's a Doula & Does My Insurance Cover it?
One Word... Insurance!
Medicaid & Some Private Pay Insurance Providers Cover The Cost of Doula Care—Here’s What That Means For You
What Is A Doula?
A Doula are someone who shows up for you. During -pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and the postpartum period. No matter the stage you are in-- as trained professionals, a Doula can support you through every step of your journey!
We are not doctors or nurses. We don’t replace your care team— but are a member of your team that provides a personalized support. We help to provide a calm and safe space for you, we can help with advocating your wants and needs, we nourish your emotional well-being, and providing education to empower informed decision-making.
Studies have shown that Mother's who are supported by Doulas often experience:
Shorter labors
Fewer interventions
Lower cesarean rates
More satisfying birth and postpartum experiences
Improved breastfeeding success
Increased parental confidence and bonding with their child
And in Michigan, this kind of care is available through Medicaid. There are other ways to help cover the cost of Doula Services, let's connect to see if you have Doula coverage!
What’s Included?
Every doula works a little differently, and has a different style of care and each insurance coverage can differ. No matter the coverage, this is an overview of how UP Family Doula supports expecting families:
Prenatal and postpartum visits: These visits are tailored to your needs—whether it's discussing your birth plan, addressing concerns, being a space you can turn to for emotional and information support during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. We also offer phone support in between visits.
Care during labor and birth: We provide continuous care throughout your childbirth journey. We can support you during labor at your home until you are ready to transfer to the hospital or we can meet you right at the hospital depending on your needs. From then we would stay with you every step of the way, until you are settled in with your sweet little one.
Provide Education: We help our clients feel empowered and confident about each decision along the way by providing educational courses, resources and by answering your specific needs.
Additional Care we provide is:
Kangaroula Care: Which is doula care for your baby and helps them to have a voice and encourages an optimal start to life. We educate and watch for all the little signs of communication that your baby is giving you and encouraging skin to skin contact. Which promotes healthy bonding and growth between you and your baby!
Prenatal and Postpartum trauma education and tutoring (SMC), and Car Seat Support.
Fun Fact: Lacy Anderson (owner of UP Family Doula) became the Michigan Upper Peninsula's First Medicaid-enrolled Doula provider in 2023.
How to Get Started
Here’s what the process usually looks like:
Fill out a contact form— There are just a few simple questions to help us get to know you a little more. Keep an eye out for a text or email from us to set up a your free consultation.
Set up an consultation— This can be done either in person or over the phone, whatever works best for you. We'll talk through how Doula care can best support you through your pregnancy, labor and postpartum period.
Ask about insurance coverage— Together we can see if this is something your insurance covers. If not we can work out a payment play that best fits your needs. All that is left is to decide if you are ready for step 4.
Add a Doula to your journey! I'll help walk you through the next steps and you will start receiving Doula support right away.
It’s that simple!
You Deserve This
Pregnancy and birth aren’t just medical events—they’re deeply personal, powerful experiences. You deserve support that centers your voice, your values, and your vision for birth.
If you’ve got questions or want to chat about what doula care could look like for you, let's set up a free consultation call!
Lacy Anderson, Certified Doula, Kangaroula, Educator, and CPST
Owner of UP Family Doula Care
906.458.5678
Learn more about the care and services I provide to families across MI's Upper Peninsula
upfamilydoula.com
