What to Do Before Hiring a Doula

1. Call Your Insurance's Member Services

Before anything else, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. This one conversation answers the questions that matter most: Is doula care a covered benefit? Is this plan the primary payer for those services? (If you have more than one plan, only one is responsible for covering them.) And: how many doula visits are you eligible for?

Coverage varies plan by plan — and some plans cover certain benefits directly while routing others through a partner network. A quick call clears up exactly where you stand.

2. Reconfirm What You're Eligible For

Even if you've been told you're "covered," confirm the details. Ask specifically which services are included — prenatal visits, birth support, postpartum visits — and whether any have already been used. Knowing your exact benefits up front means no surprises down the line.

3. Know What a Superbill Is

If your plan doesn't cover doula care directly, you still have options. A superbill is an itemized receipt your doula gives you after services. You pay your doula directly, then submit the superbill to your insurance to request reimbursement yourself. It's a common way for families to access care even when direct billing isn't available — so coverage questions don't have to stop you.

4. Think About What Kind of Doula Fits You

This is a deeply personal relationship, so it's worth reflecting on what matters to you. You might want a doula who shares or understands your cultural background, religious practices, language, or values. Many families feel most at ease with someone who reflects their identity or lived experience — including LGBTQ+ families who want a doula who affirms and celebrates them.

There's no right answer here. The goal is simply to feel safe, seen, and supported.

5. Decide: In-Person or Telehealth?

Think about how you'd like to connect. Some families want a doula physically present for visits and birth; others love the flexibility of telehealth support, especially for prenatal check-ins and postpartum questions. Many doulas offer a mix of both — knowing your preference helps you narrow your search.

You're Ready

A little preparation makes finding the right doula so much easier. Once you've checked these boxes, the best part begins — meeting the person who'll walk this journey alongside you.