Let's Talk Medicaid Doula Support!

Our doula Renee discussed doula support options for SD Medicaid recipients. Watch the replay at the bottom (or read on) and learn what's covered, how to qualify, and why doula support makes such a difference!

Doula Support Covered by South Dakota Medicaid: What You Need to Know

By Renee Forred, Co-Owner of Transitions: Doula & Life Services

We are thrilled to share a truly exciting development for pregnant and postpartum families in South Dakota — doula support is now covered by South Dakota Medicaid! This is a game-changer for so many families who might not have been able to access this kind of care before, and I want to walk you through what it means, who qualifies, and how to get started.

What Is a Doula?

Let’s start with the basics. A doula is a professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. At Transitions: Doula & Life Services, our doulas are trained in birth and postpartum, and show up with evidence-based resources, encouragement, and hands-on help.

There are different types of doulas, but when we talk about Medicaid coverage, we’re focused on birth and postpartum doulas. These are the doulas who:

• Support you in pregnancy with preparation, resources, and birth planning

• Are present at your labor and delivery to help you feel confident and supported

• Visit you at home after birth to nurture your recovery and transition to parenthood

What Changed? Medicaid Coverage in South Dakota

Before January 1, 2025, doula care in South Dakota was typically an out-of-pocket expense. A few private insurance companies offered partial reimbursement, but it wasn’t guaranteed and often required families to pay up front and file paperwork themselves.

Now, that’s changed.

Thanks to ongoing collaboration between doulas, advocates, and state officials, South Dakota Medicaid will now cover up to $1,800 in doula services for eligible recipients. The state recognized what doulas have known all along: continuous, compassionate, culturally informed support makes a real difference in outcomes — from maternal mental health to reduced birth trauma to better breastfeeding success.

What Does $1,800 in Doula Support Look Like?

At Transitions, we’ve created a comprehensive Birth + Postpartum Package that is Medicaid-approved and available to everyone — whether you're Medicaid-eligible, paying privately, or using insurance. It includes:

✅ Two Prenatal Visits
To get to know you and your birth team, plan for your birth experience, and help prepare for postpartum. This may also include customized childbirth or breastfeeding education.

✅ Birth Support
Your doula will be on-call and physically present during your labor and birth, offering continuous emotional and physical support — massage, comfort measures, advocacy, and more.

✅ One Postpartum Visit
Once you're home, your doula visits to check in, talk through your birth experience, and help troubleshoot early feeding or newborn care.

✅ 20 Hours of Daytime Postpartum Support
A postpartum doula comes to your home to care for you while you heal. That might look like helping with newborn care, feeding support, meal prep, light chores, or simply giving you space to rest while knowing your baby is in capable hands.

This is real, hands-on, practical support — and Medicaid is covering it!

How to Get Started

If you're pregnant and have South Dakota Medicaid — or if you’ve recently delivered and need postpartum help — the process is simple:

1. Contact your provider (OB, midwife, or primary care) and ask them to complete a Medicaid doula referral.

2. Choose your doula. Not every doula is enrolled in Medicaid, but we have several Medicaid-approved doulas on our team ready to support you.

3. We take it from there. Once the referral is processed, we handle the paperwork and get started with your care!

Let’s Talk

If you have questions about Medicaid doula support or want to learn more about how this could help you or someone you know, reach out!

📩 DM us on Instagram @transitionsdoula
🌐 Visit www.transitionsdoulaservices.com
📧 Email us through our website contact form

We are here to serve, support, and celebrate you during this incredible life transition. Doula care shouldn’t be a luxury — and now, in South Dakota, it doesn’t have to be.

Thank you for being part of this growing movement toward compassionate, equitable care. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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Welcoming Baby Number Two: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Bringing a second baby into your family is an exciting and transformative experience. As you prepare to expand your heart and home, it's natural to have questions about how to navigate this new chapter.

Fear not! We've got you covered with these helpful tips to ensure a smooth and joyful transition as you welcome your second bundle of joy.

1. Prepare Your Firstborn: One of the keys to a successful transition is involving your older child in the preparations. Talk to them about their upcoming role as a big brother or sister, read books about sibling relationships, and let them feel the baby's movements. Encourage their curiosity and address any concerns they may have, ensuring they feel included and excited about their new sibling.

2. Establish Routines: Maintaining predictable routines can provide stability during times of change. Prepare your firstborn for the new baby's arrival by establishing consistent daily routines well in advance. This will help them adjust more easily once the baby comes home. Additionally, involving them in simple caregiving tasks, such as fetching diapers or helping with gentle playtime, can foster their sense of responsibility and connection with the baby.

3. Create Special Bonding Time: While caring for a newborn demands attention, it's crucial to carve out quality one-on-one time with your older child. Schedule special activities, like reading their favorite book or going on outings together, to reassure them of their significance and to strengthen your bond. These moments will make them feel valued and cherished, even amidst the demands of a newborn.

4. Accept Help and Delegate: Don't hesitate to accept help from friends, family, or hired professionals during the early postpartum period. Whether it's assistance with household chores, meal preparation, or babysitting, this support will alleviate some of the pressures and give you more time to focus on bonding with your new baby and tending to your older child's needs. Check out our postpartum doula packages HERE.

5. Foster Sibling Bonding: Encourage a positive and loving relationship between your children by facilitating interactions and shared experiences. Involve your older child in caring for the baby, such as fetching diapers or singing lullabies together. Organize family activities that promote bonding, like family movie nights or outings that include everyone. These moments will help create lifelong connections between siblings.

6. Practice Self-Care: Amidst the demands of caring for two little ones, it's vital to prioritize self-care. Take time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes each day, to engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenate your spirit. Whether it's a bubble bath, a walk in nature, or practicing mindfulness, self-care ensures you have the energy and emotional well-being to meet the needs of your growing family.

Welcoming a second baby is a beautiful journey filled with love, challenges, and countless precious moments. Remember, every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts, be flexible, and most importantly, cherish the journey as you witness the beautiful bond between your children blossom. Enjoy this remarkable time as your family grows in love and connection.

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Renee is co-owner of Transitions: Doula & Life Services in Sioux Falls, SD. Renee’s goal is that every person has their very best birth and postpartum. Renee helps birthing persons and their partners accomplish this goal by connecting them with Transitions Doulas who provide loving physical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In addition to running the agency, Renee also provides postpartum doula support, lactation support, and childbirth education.

Partners Deserve Doulas

Attention, Birth Partners!

The absolutely, positively, number one hesitation I hear about hiring a doula is that the partner is going to feel replaced.  If you or your partner has this concern, this is for you.

Did you know…

• Research shows: Rather than reducing a partner’s participation in the birth process, a doula’s support complements and reinforces their role

• A doula offers a visual on how to support the laboring person, and partners feel more confident and relaxed.

• Partners who used doulas report high levels of satisfaction after birth, and the birthing persons report feeling more satisfied with their partner’s role.

Of course you’re wondering, “So how DO you support the birth partner?”

• Continuous reassurance… It’s amazing how the energy changes when everyone feels safe and informed.

• Suggest ways to help the birthing person through labor and birth. Our role is to make you look good!

• Assist you with advocating for your birth plan. When decisions have to be made, and the birthing person is in the middle of transition, your doula can give you a sounding board, balanced information, and make sure your voice is heard.

• You don’t have to worry about leaving your birthing partner alone to get ice, water, nourishment, or even use the restroom. Your doula will be right there.

Let’s discuss how a Transitions doula can help YOU support your partner!

- Renee, Transitions: Doula & Life Services

Renee is co-owner of Transitions: Doula & Life Services in Sioux Falls, SD.  Renee’s goal is that every person has their very best birth.  Renee helps birthing persons and their partners accomplish this goal by connecting them with Transitions Doulas who provide loving physical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.  In addition to running the agency, Renee also provides postpartum doula support, lactation support, and childbirth education.