What is a Doula?
A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to people giving birth. Doulas are trained to help during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby is born. They are not medical providers, but they can make you feel comfortable and cared for. Some doulas may provide services during other reproductive and life changing moments such as during an abortion, fertility treatment, and even during the end of life. While DPH acknowledges the importance and role of all of these doulas, this site will provide information on the doulas that support the process of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Doula Initiative Vision Statement
All Massachusetts pregnant and birthing people, caregivers, and families have access to high quality, affordable Doula services as part of a compassionate, respectful health care system.
Doula Initiative Purpose
DPH aims to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum people, caregivers, and families by encouraging the development of a high-quality and robust doula workforce and helping to integrate doulas into the health care and public health systems to ensure that doulas available to those who want them.
The Division of Pregnancy, Infancy, and Early Childhood (DPIE) within DPH is currently developing a voluntary certification of doulas that will be available early 2026. By offering a voluntary certification program for doulas, DPH is establishing minimum standards for education, training, and experience that it expects DPH-certified doulas to meet to ensure the integrity and competency of doula services in Massachusetts and promote health, wellness, and safety. The certification of doulas will allow for quality assurance for consumers and doulas.
Doula certification
Doula certification will be based on the six basic competencies identified by MassHealth:
- Maternal anatomy and physiology during the perinatal period, including basic fetal growth and development in each trimester of pregnancy
- Common medical interventions during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
- Common potential complications associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, including but not limited to:
- Pregnancy and infant loss
- Mental health conditions, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
- High blood pressure
- Labor and delivery comfort measures
- Best practices for supporting members in advocating for their needs and making informed decisions using a trauma-informed approach
- Basic newborn care, including the fundamentals of breastfeeding/chestfeeding
We currently do not offer Doula trainings. If you are looking to train as a doula, please contact the Massachusetts Doula Coalition or your local doula group to learn about options. DPH will be launching its doula certification program in early 2026.
If you are looking to hire a doula to support your pregnancy and birth journey, please visit these resources:
If you are a hospital or medical practice looking to integrate doulas into your team, please contact us at DPH-Doulas@mass.gov.
Doula Initiative Team
The Doula Initiative Team seeks to align efforts, identify strategic priorities, and promote collaboration to support and expand the doula profession across the Commonwealth.
Doula Initiative Leadership
- Rebecca Herman, Director, MA Community Birth and Doula Initiative
- Sonia Chang, Program Coordinator, MA Community Birth and Doula Initiative
- Maia Raynor, Maternal and Child Health Program and Policy Manager
- Cristina Alonso, Director, Division of Pregnancy, Infancy and Early Childhood
Doula Initiative Activities
Doula integration
DPH is working to make medical practices and hospitals across Massachusetts more doula-friendly—facilities that welcome and collaborate with doulas as valued members of the birthing care team. For hospitals and practices seeking formal integration, DPH offers technical assistance on education, establishing collaboratives, workflows, and policies that promote stronger partnership among doulas, clinical providers, and families. DPH also supports collaboration between independent doulas and clinical providers, encouraging open communication and shared decision-making while honoring doula 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. The Doula Training Scholarship provides financial support for individuals pursuing doula training or continuing education, as well as a Train-the-Trainer Program for experienced doulas to become educators and mentors within their communities. These initiatives expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive doula care, especially in communities facing health inequities and systemic barriers to perinatal care. Applications will open in January 2026.
If you would like more information regarding becoming a doula trainer or applying for the training scholarship, please email us at DPH-Doulas@mass.gov.
Doula certification
Coming in January 2026! If you are a doula or doula organization interested in an in-house workshop or information session about the certification program, please contact DPH-Doulas@mass.gov.
Contact MassHealth about 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 website. 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 at www.mass.gov/masshealthpregnancy.
Contact Doula Initiative
Any questions related to the MA Department of Public Health's Doula Initiative and efforts including but not limited to credentialing, hospital integration, workforce development, and other related topics should be directed to DPH-Doulas@mass.gov.