VA Medicaid Provider Doula Career Pathway
The doulas we work with come from all walks of life, but most importantly, they share experiences, culture, and identity with the communities we serve.
In order to create accessibility, we have created a Community Doula Career Pathway that enables local BIPOC doulas to become Medicaid Providers at a subsidized rate. At the end of this Pathway, a doula will be a Medicaid Provider and can bill Medicaid for birth doula services.
Begin your path to State Certification today!
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The first step to State Certification is completing a training that has been VA Certification Board (aka Medicaid-approved) approved. This pathway supports doulas in accessing approved training at no cost to the doula.
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Doulas receive support and mentorship in completing certification requirements of the training. This includes, but is not limited to, attending births and auditing classes.
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We offer instruction and support throughout the process of applying for State Certification as needed.
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We support you every step of the way with a Department of Medical Assistance representative to submit your enrollment paperwork.
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The purpose of State Certification is to qualify a community based doula to be reimbursed by Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). State Certified doulas will be supported through initial MCO contracting and reimbursement processes.
1 Year State Doula Pathway
Step by step financial and logistical support towards becoming a Certified State Doula. When you are State Certified, you become eligible to bill Medicaid for services.* Experienced and previously Non-State Certified doulas are encouraged to apply. New doulas are welcome.
Support through Certification Process
Once training is complete, you have the option to be supported through the remaining steps to enroll as a Virginia Medicaid provider with individual MCOs or health insurance plans.
State Approved Training
Full scholarship to attend State Approved in-person community doula training. These comprehensive trainings are led by organizations that specialize in serving BIPOC and community doula populations.
*reimbursement options available only for clients enrolled in VA Medicaid
FAQs
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The market rate for private pay doulas is $950-$2400, which is typically dependent on the doulas experience and/or specialties. Private pay doulas typically serve families that can afford to pay the market rate. Some will offer a sliding scale rates or pro bono services to create more accessibility. Private pay doulas typically are trained to provide one to three prenatal visits, attend the labor and birth, and one to two postpartum visits. Most private pay doula trainings are not labeled ‘private pay’ and do not go in depth on how to support disadvantaged communities.
Community based doulas market rate ranges from pro bono or sliding scale of $300-$800. With Medicaid reimbursement for State Certified doulas in Virginia, doulas can be reimbursed up to $950. Community based doulas provide unspecified amount of prenatal and postpartum visits, including attending the birth. Visits tend to range from 4-8 each (prenatal and postpartum). State Certified doulas are reimbursed a initial prenatal visit, four additional prenatal visits, labor and birth, and four postpartum visits. Community based doula training is catered towards low resourced and culturally diverse communities.
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A State Certified doula does not provide medical care. This means a doula has a specific scope of practice that does not include perform cervical exams, diagnose medical conditions, or any other practice that would fall under the legal definition of practicing medicine.
The scope of a State Certified doula includes but is not limited to, providing support accessing resources, prenatal, birth and postpartum education, comfort measures during birth, acts as an advocate via facilitating conversations with the medical staff, translating medical jargon, and supporting the client to be centered within their experience.
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A doula is on call and thus their phone is always by their side. They will attend prenatal visits with their clients either virtually or in their home. During these visits they provide education, support, and guidance to help prepare the family for the birth and postpartum time. Throughout the week they may respond to text messages and emails from their client that ask about topics that came up in doctor visits, their changing body, or other questions or concerns.
Eventually the doula will be called to a birth, probably in the middle of the night. She will be in contact with her client, until her client is ready for her to join her in labor. This may be joining at home to help gauge when to go to the hospital or the doula will meet the client at the hospital. Once the doula joins her client she will provide comfort measures, suggestions, and hold a safe space for the birth experience. The doula will assist in navigating decision making if and when complications arise during the birth experience.
Immediately after the birth the doula is available to help initiate breastfeeding and once all is settled, goes home to rest. The doula will visit the client in the hospital or in the home, depending on their agreement. They will provide breastfeeding support, guidance on newborn care, postpartum healing, and support the family in the overall adjustment to having a new baby.
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To learn more about the State Certification process you can go to https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-providers/maternal-and-child-health/community-doula-program/ or you can email us at info@novacdp.org
Support the Impact
Without our doulas, there would be no impact. In the past, in order to serve our community, we chose to work at a deficit. As the value of our work becomes recognized by evidence of lower c-section rates, more positive birth outcomes, and higher breastfeeding rates, it is time birth workers are supported professionally and paid sustainably.
Join our referral network.
Local doula agencies are encouraged to join our referral network. As a member of our referral network, State Certified doulas that are contracted with your agency will receive referrals directly from our partnered Medicaid clinics and other organizations. Learn how to join our network today!
Coming soon!
Network Members
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The Momager Co.
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Momease
Fund a Doula
Community Doula Pathway
To inquire about donations email info@novacdp.org