New Medi-Cal benefits to help you with your pregnancy

When you’re in labor, you can get support from your partner, a loved one, or a friend. You may also get support from hospital nurses, a midwife, or a doula (pronounced “DOO-luh”).

A doula is a birth worker who can help you while you’re in labor and giving birth. They can help with prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after pregnancy) visits. You can have a doula during labor and birth, miscarriage, or abortion visits. Having a doula with you may reduce your labor time. This can help to reduce the need for pain medication.

There are many ways a doula can offer support. They may help you:

  • Talk about your health care with your doctor
  • Teach you about what to expect and how to prepare for labor
  • Get physical, emotional, and other support that is not medical
  • Get support during a miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion
  • Answer questions

You can meet with a doula online (through telehealth) or have a doula with you in any setting such as:

  • Your home
  • At office visits
  • In a hospital
  • At birth centers

Ask your primary care provider* (PCP) about doula care. You can get this service at no cost if you are an SFHP Medi-Cal member.

Check your SFHP member handbook or visit SFHP Benefits and Covered Services to learn more about doula services.

If you have questions, please call SFHP Customer Service at 1(800) 288-5555 or 1(415) 547-7800, TTY 1(888) 883-7347.

*Your primary care provider (PCP) is the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in charge of your health care.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: Our team can answer your questions about benefits and health services. Call 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free) or 1(415) 547-7830 TTY. Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.