Birth workers are spread across Connecticut, and few doula services are centralized in Hartford. However, there are coalitions and organizations that connect people, ease the costs and offer referral processes who want these services. Doulas are trained professionals — or caregivers — who pr ovide continuous physical, emotional and informational non-medical support to a person who will get pregnant, is pregnant or just gave birth. Studies show doula perinatal care is associated with positive delivery outcomes such as reduced number of cesarean sections, premature deliveries and length of labor. Doula emotional support is also shown to reduce anxiety and stress and, among lower-income women, improved breastfeeding. In 1992, the Doulas of North America founded the first organization to certify and license doulas. But while the formal word “doula” is new, the role has been known for centuries in indigenous nations like the Navajo and Mohawk as birth attendants.  Here’s what you need to know about what a doula is, how much their services can cost and how to find one in Hartford. Is a doula the same as a midwife or obstetrician? No. Doulas have different roles and medical training than a midwife or obstetrician. Doulas provide emotional support, comfort and advocacy during the birth process, and not medical advice. Unlike a doula, midwives are trained healthcare professionals that provide care around the medical aspects of pregnancy and birth. Midwives have different levels of education and expertise, and the majority in this country are certified nurse-midwives or certified midwives. Obstetricians are doctors who went to medical school and specialize in the reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth. They perform surgeries like a cesarean delivery and episiotomy. So, if they are not midwives or obstetricians, how can a doula help me if I’m pregnant? Doulas work alongside medical providers to make sure your emotional and physical needs are met, from advocating birthing preferences to demonstrating coping techniques to ease stress and contractions and even requesting language interpreters. Doulas aim to achieve the healthiest experience possible for the mother-to-be, guiding every step of the way so the birthing person and their family is accompanied, comfortable and informed. While most doulas work around the birth process, they also provide support and guidance during other aspects of reproductive health, such as menstruation, fertility, abortion, miscarriage, breastfeeding and gender transition. Do doulas have a certification or license? Certification is not required to be a doula in Connecticut, but the ones that can provide services and be paid through HUSKY, Connecticut’s Medicaid program, are licensed by the Department of Public Health. While there is no state or national database that shows a directory with certified doulas per state and city, in Connecticut’s latest Doula Landscape Analysis and Implementation Plan it shows that most of the surveyed doulas were certified by: DONA, Earth’s Natural Touch, Madriella or Childbirth International. What are some local organizations I can reach out to for help finding a doula in Hartford? Doulas4CT, a statewide coalition of doulas, grassroots advocates and community organizations, offers free doula services through their 4 Families project. Any birthing person living in Hartford between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy can sign up on their website and fill out a request form. Lucinda’s House was founded by midwife and nurse Lucinda Canty, associate professor of UMass Amherst, who rooted her patient care in Hartford to create a safe space for women of color and to address racial disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity. The first step would be to fill out a request form. Canty will try to find a doula the person feels safe with and help determine how to get the service covered. NuBeing Doula is a full spectrum certified doula that works in the greater Hartford area. To schedule a free consultation visit the website. Choosing a doula can take time. Qualitative studies show that women feel more comfortable having a doula who shares their race or culture. With this in mind, organizations like the Hispanic Health Council in Hartford are working on building a community doula workforce from the same community in which they would provide the services. There is not a national database that shows the demographics of the doula workforce in the U.S., although state studies exist centered around doulas and their clients. In Connecticut, the most recent state-led Doula Landscape Analysis and Implementation Plan surveyed doulas, and it showed that more than 40% reported their race as Black or African American and more than 30% reported their race as white. All spoke English, and less than a quarter Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or Creole. Can I get a doula and get reimbursed with my insurance? It’s common that doulas provide independent services, as this is why it tends to be a costly complement to the birthing process. But in 2025, HUSKY Health, known as Medicaid in Connecticut, included doula care through its Maternity Bundle Payment program.  Health care providers such as obstetricians might have information and referrals to find doulas covered by Medicaid. These doulas must be certified through the Department of Public Health.  After matching with one, the provider would be supervising the care plan. Then, the doula services would be rendered and reimbursed under the provider’s supervision through the bundle, according to DPH. Most private insurances do not cover doula care since it’s not considered a medical service like the one of an obstetrician or midwife. However, call your provider and check if out-of-network maternity services are covered. I want to pay out of pocket for doula services, where can I find one?  Hartford does not have a citywide directory of doulas, but there are online platforms that can help you find one close to you. Doula Match lets you find birth or postpartum doulas. It shows the available doulas that provide services in your area, if their certification is verified, years of experience and client testimonials. The range of birth doulas’ cost is from $500 to $5,000. Postpartum doula rates range from $35 to $100 an hour. Born Bir is an online matching system where you can share details about your doula needs ranging from birth prep, breastfeeding, baby sleep, postpartum recovery, or newborn care, and they will match you with the best local doulas. International organizations like CAPPA, have their own directories too with doulas which have their certifications and provide services in the area. ...read more read less