Doula benefit

Learn about the services a doula provides and how to get care.

We’re committed to providing you with the best care before, during and after pregnancy. If you’d like additional support, doula services can help.

Woman holding newborn baby at home

What services does a doula provide?

A doula is a non-medical professional who provides health education, advocacy, and physical, emotional and non-medical support for pregnant and postpartum women before, during and after childbirth, including support during miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion. Your doula can help you to have a healthy and supportive experience that meets your needs.

Covered doula services include:

  • Education, coaching, physical and emotional wellness support from preconception to 12 months postpartum, including advocacy and in-person support during labor and delivery or termination of pregnancy
  • Health navigation
  • Breastfeeding and lactation support
  • Linkages to community-based resources, such as support groups
  • Development of a birth plan

How do I get care from a doula?

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, services provided by contracted doulas are covered at no cost for CalPERS members who are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year. Services are not available for Medicare Advantage members.

Find a contracted doula in two easy steps:

  1. Visit the provider directory, select your network and enter your zip code or state.
  2. Under the “I would like to see” option, select doula.
Find a doula

What kind of access to a doula is covered?

Once you choose a participating doula, your coverage includes up to 11 doula visits plus support during labor and delivery or termination of pregnancy. Details as following:

  • An initial visit and up to 8 prenatal or postpartum visits
  • Support during labor and delivery (including labor and delivery ending in stillbirth), miscarriage and abortion
  • Up to 2 extended three-hour postpartum visits

All doula visits are limited to one per day, per member.​ One prenatal visit or one postpartum visit can be provided on the same day as labor and delivery, stillbirth, abortion or miscarriage support.​ Services can be virtual or in person in any setting including, but not limited to:

  • Hospitals
  • Office visits
  • Alternative birth centers
  • Homes

These services are not covered:

  • Belly binding (traditional/ceremonial)
  • Birthing ceremonies (i.e., sealing, closing the bones, etc.)
  • Group classes about babywearing
  • Massage (maternal or infant)
  • Photography
  • Placenta encapsulation
  • Shopping
  • Vaginal steams
  • Yoga

Questions

Please contact Customer Care by emailing customer.service@sharp.com or calling 1-855-995-5004 seven days a week, from 7 am to 8 pm.

Other Sharp HealthCare maternity services

Sharp offers prenatal and postpartum services, from prenatal classes and infant care to breastfeeding support and postpartum mental health support.   

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Behavioral and mental health coverage

The changes you experience with pregnancy, delivery, an abortion or a miscarriage can cause feelings of sadness, loneliness and loss. You can get the support you need. 

Learn more