What does a full-spectrum doula/care worker do?

As a full-spectrum doula, I work with folks who are pregnant, regardless of how that pregnancy ends. Our work together can include education about pregnancy, birth, abortion, loss, postpartum life and more. Within labor + delivery, my work includes having an intimate understanding of birth preferences and building both self-advocacy tools and advocating on client’s behalf in a birth setting. There are many ways this can look and we will discuss it prior to your birth. I can be a support person for those having abortions in clinics or at-home settings as well as provide aftercare. While most of us have some idea of how our pregnancy and end-of-pregnancy will look, life is great at throwing us unexpected curveballs. Education and transparent care allow us to navigate the expected and unexpected with a little more compassion for ourselves, our bodies and our families. That is why I am here!

What does a postpartum doula/care worker do?

The work I cultivate with postpartum clients differs person to person, but always holds the common goal of supporting you through the shifts at play. That might be becoming a parent, adjusting to your postpartum body or navigating loss, to name a few scenarios. Guided by your needs and curiosities, we find the best use of our time together. That might mean crossing off to-do’s that have been piling up, maintaining your space, answering questions or practicing new found routines together. Whatever types of support we decide on, my hope is that you feel more informed, prepared and confident by the end of our work together.

Are doula services covered by medical insurance?

As of July 2022, in the state of Rhode Island, YES! Most health insurance cover prenatal, birth and postpartum services and have insurance-specific limitations around these services. You can find more information here on the bill that passed making this possible and here to find out if your insurance provider covers doula services. Please note: not all insurance companies will cover my entire postpartum package. One way to find this information out is by directly contacting your insurance provider and asking what their coverage is. Is your insurance company not giving you the info you need? Call the hotline at RIPIN at 401-270-0101 or toll-free at 1-855-747-3224.

What insurances are you in-network with?

I am in network with all Rhode Island Medicaid plans and with Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Tufts RI-based plans, United Healthcare RI-based plans and Neighborhood Health Plan of RI commercial plans. Please note there are some RI employers/commercial plans that do not offer doula coverage in their plans. We will work together to determine eligibility.

I had an abortion in the last year and am seeking doula services, is that possible?

It is! While not everyone who has an abortion will need or desire provider support, post-abortion care is something I offer and may even be covered by insurance, contact your insurance provider to learn more. As a full-spectrum care worker I both unequivocally support access to abortion and also believe anyone who seeks care services deserves them. If you are recently post-abortion and my care services resonate with you, please reach out!

Finances are a barrier, are there options for me?

Yes! If you do not have or cannot use health insurance and full cost out-of-pocket is not an option for you, please get in touch. I use sliding scale and income-based approaches in my care where capacities allow. If I can't take you on as a client, I am in a network of incredible doulas and can help connect you with the right fit.

Insurance doesn’t cover the care I am seeking, can we still work together?

There are many situations where insurance may not cover what you are looking for (some common examples of this are: you already used doula services for prenatal, birth and postpartum, you are an adoptive parent, you are navigating another type of reproductive transition/loss). Insurance is not the only option to work together- I work with a sliding scale . If you’d like to set up a consultation, I’d love to hear from you.

What are your COVID practices + policies?

I continue to be diligent about COVID and personally commit to: keeping promptly up to date on vaccines (I am fully vaccinated and have received two booster shots), testing myself at least once a week, continuing to wear masks in public indoor spaces as well as wearing a mask while working with clients, and communicating new symptoms should I have them. I do not generally require you wear a mask for us to work together. However, depending on surges and my personal health, I may inquire about your COVID practices and decide on compatibility from there. I will also update this section if/as my COVID practices shift, so what you are reading is up to date. I will always do my best to be transparent regarding COVID and welcome any questions or clarifications you may have. Please don’t hesitate to ask!