FAQs

A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides emotional, educational, and practical support during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and early parenthood. Doulas do not replace doctors, midwives, or nurses. Instead, they work alongside your healthcare team to help you understand your options, prepare for birth, navigate the postpartum period, and feel supported throughout your family’s journey.

CoCo Love Doulas supports expecting mothers, birthing families, partners, and caregivers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and early parenthood. Services are designed for families across California, with a primary focus on Contra Costa County and neighboring Bay Area communities, including Black and Brown families and Medi-Cal families.

Eligible Medi-Cal members may qualify for covered doula services, depending on their health plan and eligibility requirements. Coverage may include prenatal visits, support during labor and childbirth, and postpartum visits designed to provide education, emotional support, and care coordination. If you have questions about your coverage, CoCo Love Doulas can help you understand the enrollment process and available services. You can also learn more by visiting the official California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Medi-Cal Doula Benefit page.

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/providers-partners/doula-services-as-a-medi-cal-benefit/

You can begin by completing the doula service inquiry or application form and providing information about your stage of pregnancy or postpartum, your current needs, and your family. This information helps the team review your request and determine the most appropriate services or next steps based on availability.

Families may be referred to CoCo Love Doulas by healthcare providers, hospitals, community organizations, social service agencies, or through self-referral. After receiving a referral or inquiry, our team reviews your information, discusses your family’s needs, and helps determine the most appropriate next steps based on service availability. When additional support is beneficial, we may also connect families with community resources or CoCo Love Collective initiatives that complement their care.

Yes. Doula services are non-medical and are intended to complement the care provided by your healthcare team. CoCo Love Doulas offers education, advocacy, emotional support, and practical guidance while families continue receiving medical care from their physician, midwife, or other healthcare providers.

When appropriate, the team provides care coordination and navigation by discussing your family’s needs and connecting you with available community resources, educational opportunities, and referrals that may support pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant feeding, emotional wellness, or other family-related needs.

Postpartum support may begin shortly after childbirth and can continue as your family’s needs change during recovery and early parenthood. Depending on your situation, support may include postpartum education, family guidance, community resource connections, lactation referrals, and other services that complement your ongoing healthcare.