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Doula Services

pregnant woman with doula


At Valley Health Plan (VHP), we understand that the journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period can be both beautiful and challenging. That's why we offer the option to have a doula as part of your support team. Doulas are trained nonmedical professionals who provide care and guidance to you and your family during this important time. You do not have to go through this experience alone. VHP is here to support you every step of the way.

What is a Doula?

Doulas are birth workers who offer support, education, and advocacy to people during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Doulas are also there to support you in the event of a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Their goal is to help families have a safe, healthy and positive labor experience.

How can a Doula Support You?

Having a doula can lead to better delivery outcomes and help reduce the chances of cesarean sections, premature deliveries, and length of labor. They help prevent complications and improve health outcomes for both parents and infants.  Doulas also provide emotional support that can lower anxiety and stress at every stage of pregnancy and birth.  

A doula can help you by:

  • Providing encouragement and personalized support to make you feel empowered and informed.
  • Teaching you relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to lower stress and discomfort.
  • Offering advice on comfortable labor positions to ease the birthing process.
  • Helping you create a birth plan that reflects your wishes and prepares you for what's ahead.

Doulas serve as mediators, giving support and relationship-based care. They can also assist you with shared decision making, boosting your confidence, and connecting with your healthcare providers.

Who is Eligible to Receive Doula Services?

Starting January 1, 2025, you can access doula services as preventative care during pregnancy or within one (1) year after pregnancy ends. This includes prenatal and postpartum visits, support during labor and delivery (both vaginal or cesarean birth), and help during miscarriage and abortion or after.

If you are a Valley Health Plan (VHP) Commercial member (Covered California, Individual and Family Plan, and Employer Group) or a Medi-Cal member with Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) and you are pregnant or had a baby in the past year, you can get support from a doula.  Doula services are covered by VHP and SCFHP at no cost to you, and you do not need to get approval from your doctor for the first 11 visits. 

What Do Doula Services Include?

Doula services can be offered in-person or online, in locations like your home, office, hospital, or alternative birth center. Doulas work independently and do not require supervision.

Doula services include:

  • An initial 90-minute visit where the doulas will answer questions and create a birth plan.
  • Up to eight (8) prenatal and postpartum visits, this includes:
    • Support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and pregnancy that ends in a stillbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.
  • Up to two (2) extra postpartum visits to discuss:
    • Breastfeeding, mental health, sleeping patterns, or any other concerns you may have.
    • Each visit can last up to 3 hours.
  • Lactation support.
  • Connections to community resources.

Where can I Find a Doula?

For Our Commercial Member

If you are a Commercial member (Covered California, Individual and Family Plan, and Employer Group) with Valley Health Plan (VHP), you can look up and find doulas by visiting VHP’s Member Website.

VHP’s Member Website: https://vhpservices.sccgov.org/

For Our Medi-Cal Member

If you are a Medi-Cal member with Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP), you can look up and find doulas by visiting SCFHP’s Member Website.

SCFHP Member Website: https://www.scfhp.com/healthcare-plans/medi-cal/benefits-services/doula-services/ 

What to Look for in a Doula

When choosing a doula, find someone who makes you feel safe and supported. They should live nearby and be easily accessible to the hospital where you plan to give birth. It’s important that they are available on your due date to provide the support you need.

The doula should have training and experience in:

  • Prenatal support
  • Understanding pregnancy and birth
  • Comfort techniques and support during labor
  • Help with breastfeeding
  • CPR certification for adults and infants
  • Knowledge of privacy rules regarding your health information

What if I Have Questions About Doula Services?

For Our Commercial Member

If you are a Commercial member (Covered California, Individual and Family Plan, and Employer Group) with Valley Health Plan (VHP) and you have questions or need help finding a doula, contact the VHP Member Service Department. Their office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

You can reach them by:

For Our Medi-Cal Member

If you are a Medi-Cal member with Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) and you have questions or need help finding a doula, contact the SCFHP’s Customer Services Department. Their office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can reach them by:

  • Phone: 1-800-260-2055 (TTY: Dial 711)

VHP and SCFHP offers language assistance for individuals who speak languages other than English. The VHP Member Service & SCFHP Customer Services Department’s provides over-the-phone language support at no cost. They have a dedicated phone line that connects you with an interpreter who speaks your language. To access this service, simply call the VHP Member Service or SCFHP Customer Services Departments.

At Valley Health Plan, we care about the health and well-being of you and your family.