Michigan Doula Best Practice Guide

The Michigan Doula Best Practice Guide is designed to support the expansion of the doula workforce across Michigan by providing guidance on workforce development and the integration of doulas into federally qualified health centers and community-based organizations. With Medicaid reimbursement now available for doula services, more organizations can incorporate doulas into maternal health programs, increasing access to perinatal support. Recognizing the need for a structured approach to workforce growth, Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, with funding support from the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition and additional expertise from HealthConnect One, convened six organizations in Southeast Michigan to develop this guide. Published in 2025, it outlines workforce strategies for managing and supervising personnel, understanding compensation, developing a service delivery model and navigating billing and documentation. Strengthening the doula workforce through intentional development and collaboration enhances maternal health services and improves outcomes for birthing individuals.