Doula Alliance of Maryland

Connecting and supporting doulas and birth workers across Maryland

Are you a doula working in Maryland?

Are you looking for a doula working in Maryland?

The Doula Alliance of Maryland is thrilled to announce the launch of the Maryland Doula Directory, a free resource for doulas by doulas.

VIEW THE DIRECTORY

GET LISTED ON THE DIRECTORY

Our Work

Mission

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We connect and support Doulas and birth workers in Maryland while expanding access to doulas for Black birthing people to eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes.

DAM is working to bridge the gap between community doulas and Medicaid reimbursement opportunities.

DAM is the first grant-funded Doula advocacy group in Maryland. Since 2022, DAM and its members have been working to ensure Medicaid reimbursement is accessible and equitable. Our legislative priorities focus on community access to Doula support, safe workplaces, ensuring a professional pathway for Doulas in Maryland, transparent maternal data reporting, and preservation of sustainable Doula professions.

Our advocacy focus includes:

Legislative advocacy
Livable wages and benefits
Safe workplace facilitation
Technical support
Community engagement
Workforce and programmatic research

In the News

Alliance says doulas can reduce mortality rate for Black mothersThe Doula Alliance of Maryland said the maternal mortality rate for Black Maryland mothers is 2.3 times higher than white moms.

Mother and DAM Founding member, Ana Rodney, was featured on WBAL during Black Maternal Health Week to uplift the importance of access to doulas for black mothers and families.

The Baltimore Banner honors third class of Emerging LeadersEach honoree was selected from a pool of community nominations by a committee of local leaders.

Congratulations to Molly Doran with the Aaron Straus & Lillie Straus Foundation who was honored as an Emerging Leader by the Baltimore Banner this week.

The Doula Alliance of Maryland is a proud grantee of the Straus Foundation, continuing the work of improving and expanding Medicaid reimbursement and access to doulas for Black Marylanders.

Publications

Writing Ourselves into (BE)ing

by Micknai Arefaine et al.

arefaine-et-al-2025-writing-ourselves-into-(be)ing.pdf

Read the Article

Improving the Maryland Medicaid Doula Program: Recommendations from Community Doulas and Leaders

Improving Maryland Medicaid Doula Program.pdf

Read the Report

Maryland Medicaid

To get the latest updates from the Maryland Department of Health about the Medicaid doula benefit, email mdh.medicaidmch@maryland.gov and request to be added to their distribution list.

The Maryland Department of Health was re-engaged by doulas and stakeholders in November 2023.

Latest Update

On October 16, 2025, the Doula Alliance of Maryland (DAM), the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and several Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) gathered for a Visioning Session to strengthen access to doula care across the state.

Together, we explored how to:

Build stronger partnerships between doulas, the health department, and payers
Improve reimbursement and reduce administrative hurdles
Expand workforce development and equitable access for all birthing people

We’re inspired by the shared commitment to collaboration and innovation — and by the collective belief that everyone who wants a doula should have one. Together, we’re building a Maryland where every family can experience supported, empowered births.

If you have feedback related to the Maryland Medicaid Doula Program that you would like relayed to the team at MDH, you can submit via our anonymous form or email us directly at hello@doulaallianceofmd.org.

To receive notifications directly from Maryland Medicaid and the Maryland Department of Health, send an email to mdh.medicaidmch@maryland.gov requesting to be added to the doula listserv.

Information for Doulas from Maryland Medicaid

Feedback for MD Department of Health

If you have feedback in regards to the Medicaid Doula Program, please fill out the below form.

All feedback will be relayed to Maryland Department of Health at quarterly stakeholder meetings.

Upcoming Events

Naloxone Training for Doulas

Hosted by Doula Alliance of Maryland and B'More for Healthy Babies

Friday, November 7th | 12:30-1:15 PM EST

Virtual on Microsoft Teams

Naloxone pick-up sites will be distributed to attendees

Past Events

DAM + Maryland Department of Health + Managed Care Organization Visioning Session

Wednesday, October 16

Together, we explored how to:

Build stronger partnerships between doulas, the health department, and payers
Improve reimbursement and reduce administrative hurdles
Expand workforce development and equitable access for all birthing people

Legislative Advocacy Training

hosted by Community Health Workers Empowerment Coalition of Maryland (CHWEC-MD) and Doula Alliance of Maryland (DAM)

Wednesday, January 22nd | 6-7pm | Zoom

Please join us for a free legislative advocacy training event for community members, community health workers, and doulas.

This training will arm community members with information about Maryland's legislative process and how to make your voice heard on issues that impact your profession and the communities you care for!