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Why Every Michigan Mom Deserves a Doula (Yes, Even You)

Updated: Sep 21, 2025



If you’ve talked to me for more than five minutes about pregnancy and birth, you’ve probably heard me say, “If I were Oprah rich, I’d gift every pregnant woman a doula.” Doulas are a frickin’ gamechanger when it comes to birth outcomes. (Do we swear on this blog? Maybe later.)


The Positive Impact of Doula Care

Research shows doula support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum improves outcomes for both mom and baby:

  • Cesarean births: Doula care reduces the odds of a c-section by over 50%. One study found the cesarean rate was 10.8% with doula care vs. 18.9% without.

  • Postpartum mental health: Doula support decreases the odds of postpartum depression and anxiety by 57.5%.

  • Birth complications: Moms with doulas are two times less likely to experience complications.

  • Breastfeeding: More likely to initiate and sustain breastfeeding successfully.

  • Labor duration: Shorter labors with continuous support.

  • Baby outcomes: Babies are less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores.

In short? Doulas = better outcomes, period.


Why Doulas Improve Birth Outcomes

So what makes doulas so effective? A few reasons:

  • Experience you don’t have yet. Doulas have attended lots of births and can anticipate what’s coming, suggest position changes, or apply comfort measures before you even ask.

  • Focused solely on you. OBs, nurses, and midwives have important medical responsibilities (and often hospital policies to follow). Your doula’s only job is to care for you—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

  • Hands-on techniques. From counter-pressure to hip squeezes, doulas are trained in touch techniques that help your body relax so labor can progress more efficiently.

  • Advocacy & space. If you feel rushed or pressured, a doula helps slow things down. They remind you of the BRAIN method (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing) so you can make choices aligned with your values.

  • Prenatal prep. Doulas also support you before labor—helping write a birth plan, talk through fears, and prepare emotionally for motherhood.

The result? A calmer, more empowered birth experience for both you and your partner.


The Best Baby Shower Gift: Support (Not Stuff)

Sure, shopping for baby outfits is adorable, and a fancy stroller has its place. But here’s the truth: babies need very little—safe sleep, love, diapers, milk. Parents are the ones who need real support.

Support can look like:

  • Dropping off a nourishing meal

  • Sending a Doordash gift card

  • Driving older kids to practice

  • Holding the baby so mom can nap or shower

But the most impactful support often comes from professional services:

  • Birth doula or postpartum doula

  • Childbirth education or breastfeeding prep

  • Prenatal or postpartum massage

  • Pelvic floor physical therapy

  • Lactation consulting

  • Maternal mental health counseling

💡 Parents-to-be can even register for these services at BeHerVillage.com just like they would for strollers and swaddles.


Finding a Doula in Michigan

Ready to find your doula? You’ve got options:


✨ Bonus: Michigan Medicaid covers doula services—including prenatal visits, continuous birth support, and postpartum follow-up. That means many families can access doula care at no cost.


Other Ways to fund doula services include: employer-sponsored benefits, HSA/FSA funds, and payment plans.

  • Employer-sponsored benefits: One common third-party benefit provider is Carrot. They help employers from fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum benefits to their employees. Check with your HR Benefits department to see if you're eligible for coverage of birth and/or postpartum doula services.

  • HSA/FSA Funds: If your health insurance plan or employer benefits include tax-exempt money that sits in an HSA or FSA fund, you can use this to pay for doulas services (and childbirth education and breastfeeding education and other pregnancy-related expenses).

  • Payment Plans: Many doulas will allow families to break up payments across the pregnancy to make the cost more feasible.



Final Thoughts

Doulas aren’t a “luxury.” They’re evidence-based, accessible (thanks, Medicaid), and transformative for birth outcomes and postpartum recovery. If you’re a first-time parent—or if your last birth didn’t unfold the way you hoped—a doula could be the one factor that changes everything.

And if you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift? Forget the Baby Jordans. Gift the kind of support that changes lives.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Doulas in Michigan


1. Are doulas covered by insurance or Medicaid in Michigan?

Yes! As of 2023, Michigan Medicaid covers doula care—including prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and postpartum follow-up. Some private insurance plans are also starting to reimburse doula services, but coverage varies. Always check with your provider, and don’t be afraid to submit receipts for reimbursement even if they say no—you might be surprised.


2. What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?

Great question! Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support. They don’t deliver babies or perform clinical tasks. Midwives, on the other hand, are licensed medical providers who can monitor the health of mom and baby, catch the baby, and provide medical care. Many families choose both: a midwife for medical expertise, and a doula for continuous support.


3. How do I find a doula near me in Michigan?

Start by browsing our Whole Mama Michigan Practitioner Directory for trusted local doulas. You can also visit the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Doula Registry, which lists certified doulas across the state. And remember, if you have a Medicaid-sponsored plan, doula services are often fully covered (up to 12 visits and the birth)—so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier.


  1. What is a Postpartum Doula and why would I want to hire one?

Postpartum doula services are all about caring for the whole family once baby arrives. Unlike a night nurse or babysitter, a postpartum doula supports mom’s physical recovery, emotional well-being, and confidence as a parent. They can help with newborn care (diapering, soothing, feeding), assist with breastfeeding or pumping, prepare simple meals, and create space for rest and healing. Most importantly, they provide reassurance and education so new parents feel less overwhelmed and more empowered in those tender first weeks. In Michigan, many families don’t realize that Medicaid covers postpartum doula visits, making this life-changing support more accessible than ever. Carrot benefits may also cover postpartum doula benefits.

 
 
 

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