Doula Initiative purpose
We believe that all pregnant and birthing people, caregivers, and families should have access to high-quality, affordable, culturally responsive doula care—supported by a strong, sustainable doula workforce.
MassHealth covers doula services for eligible MassHealth members while they are pregnant, during delivery, and up to 12 months after delivery, inclusive of all pregnancy outcomes and for eligible MassHealth members who are the adoptive parent of an infant under one year of age. We are also working with commercial plans to support broader coverage of doula services across Massachusetts.
Research shows that people who receive doula care are:
- Less likely to have a C-section
- Less likely to have a premature or low birth weight baby
- More likely to start breastfeeding earlier and continue longer
- More likely to report a positive birth experience
Doula Initiative activities
While we do not provide direct doula training, we focus on three areas to support the roles of doulas within the perinatal care system:
- Doula hospital collaboration
- Doula workforce development
- Doula certification
Doula hospital collaboration
DPH is working to make medical practices and hospitals across Massachusetts more doula-friendly. This means creating health facilities that welcome and collaborate with doulas as valued members of the birthing care team. To support hospitals and practices in formally integrating and partnering with doulas, DPH offers technical assistance in:
- Education on the role of a doula
- Building community partnerships
- Creating collaboratives, workflows, and policies that promote stronger partnership among doulas, clinical providers, and families
DPH also supports collaboration between independent doulas who work outside of hospitals and clinical providers. These efforts include encouraging open communication and shared decision-making between independent doulas and providers, while honoring the doula’s autonomy, lived experience, and community connections.
If you are a hospital or medical practice looking to improve collaboration with doulas, please contact DPH-Doulas@mass.gov.
Doula workforce development
DPH is investing in the growth of a diverse, skilled, and sustainable doula workforce across Massachusetts.
- Doula training scholarship: Financial support for doula training or continuing education courses
- The application period for the 2026 DPH Doula Training Scholarship is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. We anticipate opening the next scholarship application round in early 2027. Please check back on this page for updates and future application details.
- Train-the-trainer program: Support for doulas who want to become educators and mentors in their communities
- Doula community of practice: A space for doulas to share best practices, build skills, and strengthen professional networks
If you are a doula with any questions about our workforce development opportunities, please contact DPH-Doulas@mass.gov.
Doula Certification Program
The Doula Initiative manages a free and voluntary doula certification program. The program sets clear, statewide standards for training, competencies, and professional conduct for doulas practicing in Massachusetts. The program is designed to support community-rooted and culturally responsive doula care while offering several benefits for everyone across the maternal and child health system including:
- Providing families with a transparent way to find doulas who meet trusted state standards
- Offers formal recognition for doulas of their skills and supports professional growth and workforce development across the state
- Creates a centralized way for hospitals, healthcare providers, and payers to verify core competencies and strengthen collaboration with doulas
Contact the Doula Initiative team
Questions about advancing doula care access in Massachusetts? Email us at DPH-Doulas@mass.gov.
Contact MassHealth about the Doula Services Program
If you are a doula with questions about MassHealth’s Doula Services Program, please visit MassHealth Doula Services Program: Information for Doulas. You can also contact the MassHealth provider support team at (800) 841-2900, TTD/TTY: 711 or provider@masshealthquestions.com.
If you are a MassHealth member with questions about MassHealth’s Doula Services Program, please call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at (800) 841-2900 or TDD/TTY: 711. You can also find information for pregnant MassHealth members.