Anyone who’s had a baby in the United States can affirm that the postpartum care gap can be a massive shock. After months of seeing a provider regularly throughout the pregnancy, new mothers typically don’t visit a provider for six weeks postpartum. It’s a long care gap when questions, complications and overwhelm often peak.
Doulas are helping close that gap, especially in states where Medicaid covers doula care. Through in-home support, education and collaboration with the right specialists, doulas are positioned to redefine what continuity of care looks like after childbirth. “Postpartum is when families need the most help, yet it’s when they’re often most alone,” says Giovanna Otavalo, lead instructor for Partum Health’s Full Spectrum Doula Training Program. The startup provides whole-person care to support new mothers’ mental, physical and emotional health needs.
Understanding the Postpartum Care Gap and Why New Mothers Need More Support
During the last few weeks of pregnancy, most people have weekly check-ins with an OB or midwife. But once the baby arrives, weeks can pass before any follow-up. “The real gap is after birth, when new parents often don’t see a provider until the six-week visit. In between, they’re left to navigate referrals, breastfeeding and logistics with a newborn,” says Otavalo.
That delay can make it harder to address early lactation issues, mental health concerns or discomfort like pelvic pain. Left unaddressed, these issues can affect mother-baby bonding and snowball into larger health challenges.
How Doulas Bridge the Postpartum Care Gap Through In-Home Support and Education
Doulas step into that gap as trusted partners. They provide personalized care, helping families recover physically and emotionally, learn feeding techniques, adjust to parenthood and advocate for their needs.
“Doulas are usually the first to spot when something is outside the norm because we build close, trusted relationships,” says Otavalo.
Modern doula care isn’t limited to unmedicated or home births. Whether someone wants an epidural or not, our role is to educate, coordinate, and support comfort measures so their plan feels respected. “Interest in doulas has broadened, with many families planning hospital births characterized by continuous support from someone who knows their preferences,” says Otavalo.
Integrated Postpartum Care: How Doulas Collaborate With Specialists to Improve Recovery
At Partum Health, doulas are part of a multi-specialty clinical team that includes pelvic floor physical therapists, lactation consultants, mental health professionals and nutritionists. “We’re a one-stop shop for families seeking care beyond their OB or midwifery practice,” Otavalo says.
When a client connects with Partum Health for one service, they’re often matched with other providers who can help support recovery. “We match families to providers who take their insurance, are nearby, and offer the right mix of services,” she says.
Collaboration happens in real time. “Our integrated model lets us see one another’s notes. As a doula, I can align my home-visit support with the lactation team’s recommendations,” says Otavalo. This continuity makes care more efficient, as families don’t have to repeat their stories or manage complex referrals on their own.
Partum Health currently supports families across Illinois, Texas and Michigan. Their flagship location provides doula care in Chicago.
Medicaid Doula Coverage: Expanding Access to Postpartum Support for Families
Coverage for doula care is gaining momentum across the country, a shift that could expand access for thousands of families. For example, Illinois Medicaid now covers doula support, and Partum Health is among the first in the state to bill for these services.
Michigan also now covers doula services, although credentialing can take about six months.
Coverage opens doors for doulas who want to reach underserved communities, and for families who might not otherwise afford postpartum care.
Action Steps for Doulas: How to Build a Strong, Compliant Postpartum Care Practice
- If you’re working on your own, define your scope and then build a team of partner providers. Identify lactation, mental health, pelvic floor and nutrition specialists you can collaborate with.
- Protect your practice with professional liability coverage that fits your work setup in homes, hospitals and birth centers.
- Understand Medicaid requirements in your state. Choose training programs that align with credentialing pathways.
- Prioritize networking. Join networks or organizations that foster collaboration, referrals and shared learning.
Why Doulas Need Professional Liability Insurance to Protect Their Postpartum Practice
Doulas are helping to improve maternal health by filling one of the system’s most critical gaps. When they protect their business and collaborate within a broader circle of care, they multiply their impact by helping families recover, connect and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the postpartum care gap, and why are doulas essential in closing it?
The postpartum care gap refers to the six-week period after childbirth when new parents typically receive no medical follow-up, despite high needs for lactation support, mental health care, and recovery guidance. Doulas help close this gap by providing in-home education, emotional support, and early identification of concerns, improving continuity of care for new families. - How do doulas collaborate with other postpartum specialists to support recovery?
Modern doulas work within integrated postpartum care teams that may include pelvic floor physical therapists, lactation consultants, mental health providers, and nutritionists. This collaborative model ensures families receive coordinated, whole-person care without managing multiple referrals on their own. Shared notes and aligned care plans help streamline support and improve outcomes. - Does Medicaid cover doula services, and how does this impact access to postpartum care?
Many states, including Illinois and Michigan, now offer Medicaid coverage for doula support. This coverage helps expand access to postpartum services for families who may not otherwise afford them and creates new opportunities for doulas to serve underserved communities. Credentialing requirements vary by state, so doulas should understand local guidelines when planning their practice.
Most doulas in the U.S. are independent contractors who work in clients’ homes, birth centers and hospitals. That autonomy comes with responsibility. Get a quick quote for doula professional liability coverage with CM&F Group.
