Many States Cover Doula Care, but Access to a ‘Birthing Bestie’ Is Often Out of Reach

Doula Taja Iglesias and her business partner have built a space in Alexandria, Virginia, that’s all things pregnancy, birth, and childcare. Comfortable couches in one area invite expectant parents to settle in for birth education classes. In another, a colorful pile of toys await the babies and toddlers. And there’s a free supply of diapers and food. Years ago, as Iglesias was giving birth and expressing her wish not to have an epidural for pain, she felt isolated and that her preferences were dismissed by the medical staff. Today, she works hard to make sure other parents can have the support of a doula. “We kind of created this to fill the gaps that we realized existed because we had to go through it,” Iglesias said. She’s the founder of The Momager Co., a doula agency dedicated to giving parents care throughout the perinatal process. Iglesias said one of the widest gaps is the lack of access to doula care for parents on Medicaid. Doula care has been associated with improved breastfeeding initiation and less maternal anxiety. The perinatal doula care covers education about pregnancy and birth, advocacy for new parents in the hospital, and help after delivery with lactation and re...