Pregnancy can bring a lot of questions.
What will labor feel like? When should I go to the hospital? What happens if I need a C-section? Can I breastfeed? What should I ask my doctor?
You may also be worried about money, transportation, child care or whether anyone will be there to support you.
A doula can help.
A doula is a trained person who provides support before, during and after childbirth. A doula does not replace your doctor or midwife. Instead, your doula is another person on your pregnancy team whose job is to listen to you, help you understand your choices and support you.
And if you have Florida Medicaid, you may be able to receive doula services at no cost to you through your Medicaid health plan.
What Does a Doula Do Before the Baby Is Born?
You do not have to wait until you are in labor to work with a doula.
During pregnancy, a doula may meet with you several times. This gives you a chance to get to know each other before your baby arrives.
Your doula can:
- Answer general questions about pregnancy, labor and childbirth
- Explain what usually happens during labor
- Help you prepare questions for your doctor or midwife
- Talk with you about what you want during childbirth
- Help you create a birth plan or list of birth preferences
- Teach breathing and relaxation techniques
- Show you positions that may make labor more comfortable
- Help your partner or family member learn how to support you
- Talk with you about breastfeeding and caring for your baby
- Help you find community resources
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, says doulas can provide education about pregnancy and childbirth and help pregnant women find resources for needs such as food, transportation, housing, mental health care and breastfeeding support.
That can be especially helpful when money is tight.
A Doula Is Someone Who Is There for You
Prenatal appointments can sometimes feel rushed. You may get home and realize you forgot to ask an important question.
A doula can help you prepare before the appointment.
For example, you might tell your doula, “My doctor says I might need to be induced, but I don’t understand what that means.”
Your doula can help you think about questions to ask your doctor.
A doula can also help you speak up about what is important to you. ACOG says doulas can help pregnant patients communicate with their healthcare team and take part in decisions about their care.
Your doula supports your choices.
But remember: a doula is not a doctor, nurse or midwife. A doula does not diagnose medical problems, perform medical exams, prescribe medicine or make medical decisions for you.
You should still go to all of your prenatal appointments.
Can Having a Doula Help During Labor?
Research shows important benefits from having continuous support during childbirth.
A large review looked at studies involving more than 15,000 women. Women who had continuous support during labor were more likely to have a vaginal birth without forceps, vacuum assistance or C-section. They were also less likely to have a C-section and were more likely to feel satisfied with their childbirth experience. Their labors were also somewhat shorter.
ACOG says there is strong evidence that doula support is connected with fewer C-sections, shorter labor, greater satisfaction with childbirth and higher rates of starting breastfeeding.
During labor, a doula may stay with you, encourage you, help you breathe through contractions, massage your back, suggest different positions and remind you about the choices you discussed before labor began.
Sometimes just having a calm person beside you can make a big difference.
Does Florida Medicaid Pay for a Doula?
Yes. Florida Medicaid has expanded access to doula services.
In 2026, Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration announced its From the Start maternal health initiative. Under Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program, participating Medicaid health plans provide unlimited doula services for pregnant members.
That means money should not automatically stop you from asking for a doula.
If you have Medicaid, look at the name of the health plan on your Medicaid card. Call the member-services number and say:
“I am pregnant and would like a doula. How do I use my doula benefit?”
Ask which doulas participate with your plan and how you can contact one. It is a good idea to do this early in pregnancy, rather than waiting until your due date.
You Deserve Support
Pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to manage bills, work, other children and doctor’s appointments.
You do not have to do everything alone.
Your doctor or midwife takes care of your medical needs. Your doula can be another person in your corner—someone who listens, explains, encourages and helps you prepare.
If you have Florida Medicaid, ask about your doula benefit today.
The earlier you connect with a doula, the more time you have to build a relationship, ask questions and prepare for the birth of your baby.
