Colorado’s Medicaid program now covers doula care for all pregnant and postpartum members, but advocates don’t expect to see an immediate improvement in maternal health. Doulas aren’t medical providers, but provide support during pregnancy, birth and the weeks that follow. They can offer advice on ways to cope with labor, assist with lactation and discuss their clients’ concerns about pregnancy and parenting. Twelve other states and the District of Columbia also allow Medicaid to pay for doula services. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee’s most recent report recommended that pregnant and postpartum people have access to a broad variety of providers and support people, including doulas, and that insurance should pay for their services. Anyone who is pregnant and covered by Medicaid can receive prenatal and postpartum care from a doula, as well as support during the birth, said Susanna Snyder, director of the child and family health division at the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.