Apr 30, 2026 - Health
Washington among states expanding Medicaid coverage for doulas
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Doula care has gone from a niche birth option to a Medicaid-covered benefit in more than half of U.S. states — including Washington.
Why it matters: Research has linked doula support to lower cesarean rates and fewer preterm births.
- A new review of clinical trials published this month in JAMA Network Open found doula support was most consistently associated with lower maternal anxiety, higher breastfeeding initiation and better postpartum follow-up care.
Zoom in: Washington is now one of 26 states actively reimbursing for Medicaid coverage of doula care, according to the National Health Law Program.
- Washington's new benefit took effect last year.
- Before 2020, only Oregon and Minnesota offered Medicaid coverage for doula care — that's "a lot of progress" in a few years, says Amy Chen, senior attorney at the National Health Law Program.
Catch up quick: A doula is a trained birth support professional who offers emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. That's not the same as a midwife.
- While a midwife might perform medical tasks like checking blood pressure, doing cervical checks and catching the baby, a doula offers continuous nonmedical support — like delivering affirmations, helping with position changes in labor and advocating for the patient's desires in the hospital — says Nicole Sessions, an experienced doula and maternal mental health researcher.