Philadelphia Doula & Midwife Support
Philadelphia Doula & Midwife: Costs, Hospitals & Medicaid
True Joy Birthing is a free birth plan app and doula directory for first-time moms in Philadelphia. Whether you're looking for a doula or midwife in Philadelphia, building your birth plan, or figuring out what support even looks like — everything here is free.
Doulas, midwives, hospital policies, and costs, broken down so you can walk in prepared. This guide covers how much doulas cost, whether Medicaid covers a doula, and which hospitals welcome birth partners. New here? Learn what a doula actually does.
Free · No account needed · Works on iPhone
At 38 weeks pregnant, you're probably mapping the quickest route from your rowhome in West Philly or Fishtown to your delivery hospital — dodging construction on Broad Street and praying the Vine Street Expressway isn't a parking lot. Spruce Street Harbor Park is a peaceful spot for those final walking-the-baby-out strolls along the Delaware River waterfront, and the Schuylkill River Trail behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art gives you a breezier path when summer humidity hits hard.
Free app
Build your birth plan step by step in the app
Nine guided sections. Hospital preferences, pain management, who's in the room — all walked through so nothing gets missed.
- Step-by-step guidance for every section
- Update your plan anytime — not a static PDF
- Share directly with your care team or doula
Coming soon Free · No account needed to start
Free app
What the Free App Offers
9 guided sections
Hospital preferences, pain management options, who's in the room, feeding preferences, postpartum plans — each section walks you through what each choice means so nothing gets missed. Answer a few questions at a time, save your progress, and come back whenever you want. Your plan builds as you go, so it never feels overwhelming.
Find local doulas
Browse and connect with doulas and midwives serving Philadelphia right inside the app. See their services, cost ranges, and availability without searching elsewhere. Many Philadelphia parents use the app to message providers directly and find someone who fits their schedule and personality.
Printable PDF birth plan
Export your finished plan as a PDF to share with your provider, doula, or hospital. Easy to update anytime — not a static document you fill out once.
Completely free
No account needed, no credit card, no time limit. Works on iPhone. Download it, build your plan, share it — that's it.
Video guide
Philadelphia Doula & Birth Plan Guide: Costs, Hospitals & Medicaid (First-Time Mom)
Watch the full city guide — doulas, hospitals, costs, and Pennsylvania Medicaid, all in under 4 minutes.
Local support
Doulas & Midwives Serving Philadelphia
Real people, real support: here are doulas and midwives who serve Philadelphia families. Every listing is a practicing provider, not an ad.
Doulas of Philadelphia
Birth Doula
Doulas of Philadelphia
$800-$2,500
Expert postpartum and infant care in Greater Philadelphia. We serve Philadelphia, PA and surrounding areas including Main Line, Delaware County, Montgomery ...
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Philly Doula Co
Birth Doula
Philly Doula Co
$800-$2,500
The Philly Doula Co-Op is a network of birth professionals who are committed to providing quality services to support optimal pregnancy, labor, delivery ...
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Community Doula Support Program
Birth Doula
Community Doula Support Program
$800-$2,500
Offering individualized physical, emotional, and educational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and up to 12 months postpartum.
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Connected Doulas
Birth Doula
Connected Doulas
$800-$2,500
Connected Doulas is a premier birth and postpartum doula agency serving the metro Philadelphia & Denver regions. We are committed to providing compassionate, ...
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Find a doula or midwife near you
The True Joy Birthing app lets you search for doulas, midwives, and birth professionals in your area. Filter by certification, services offered, and insurance coverage, so you can find the right support before your due date.
Try the free app →Listed providers are independent practitioners. True Joy Birthing does not endorse any specific provider.
Hospitals & Birth Centers in Philadelphia
Here's what you need to know about the hospitals where Philadelphia moms deliver.
3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
HUP is a Level IV NICU hospital and Philadelphia's top-tier academic medical center, offering 24/7 maternal-fetal medicine specialists and a state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your delivery here.
Doulas: Doulas welcome; Penn Medicine supports doula presence during labor and delivery
Water birth: Not routinely offered
111 S 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Jefferson holds a Level III NICU designation with a dedicated high-risk pregnancy program and private labor suites on their Center City campus. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your delivery here.
Doulas: Doulas welcome; Jefferson supports doula participation in labor
Water birth: Not routinely offered
3401 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Temple is a Level III NICU facility known for its strong community presence in North Philadelphia and comprehensive obstetric care including midwifery services. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your delivery here.
Doulas: Doulas welcome as support persons
Water birth: Not routinely offered
5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141
Einstein carries a Level III NICU and serves as a cornerstone maternity hospital in North Philly with a long-standing midwifery program and robust lactation support. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your delivery here.
Doulas: Doulas welcome as support persons
Water birth: Not routinely offered
800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Pennsylvania Hospital — the nation's first hospital — features a Level III NICU and is beloved for its historic maternity unit with private rooms on 8th and Spruce Streets. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your delivery here.
Doulas: Doulas welcome; part of Penn Medicine system
Water birth: Not routinely offered
76 W Germantown Pike, Germantown, Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Birth Center in the Germantown section offers a warm, home-like setting with certified nurse-midwives for low-risk pregnancies seeking an out-of-hospital birth experience. It's one of Philly's few freestanding birth centers, and they welcome doula support throughout your labor.
Hospitals listed for reference only. True Joy Birthing does not endorse any specific provider. Always call ahead to confirm doula and visitor policies during your hospital tour. For more questions, see our doula FAQ or our birth plan checklist.
Reviewed by Shelbi Kohler
How it works
What Doula & Midwife Support Looks Like in Philadelphia
Not sure what the difference is?
A midwife is your medical provider: she can deliver your baby, write prescriptions, and monitor your health. A doula is your support person: she keeps you comfortable, informed, and emotionally held, but doesn't do medical tasks. You can have both, and many Philadelphia moms do. Learn more about what a doula actually does →
Philadelphia has a rich, community-rooted doula culture shaped by powerful Black birthworkers and organizations like the Philadelphia Doula Network who have been championing birth justice for decades. You'll find doulas here who truly understand the city's racial disparities in maternal health and fight alongside you for better care. Whether you're delivering at a major medical center or exploring home birth, Philly doulas bring both fierce advocacy and deep, sister-level support.
Continuous labor support
A doula stays with you from early labor through delivery. No shift changes, no leaving the room.
Evidence-based comfort techniques
Breathing, counter-pressure, position changes, proven to reduce C-section rates and shorten labor.
Advocacy before and during birth
Your doula helps you understand your options and practice saying what you want, before you're in the delivery room.
Postpartum follow-up, too
Most Philadelphia doula packages include at least one postpartum visit, because birth support doesn't end at delivery.
Whether this is your first baby or you're preparing for a VBAC, understanding what a doula does, and how a doula can change your birth experience, can help you decide what support is right for you. Planning for a specific scenario? Read our VBAC birth plan guide or our C-section birth plan template.
How Much Does a Doula or Midwife Cost in Philadelphia?
In the Philadelphia area, birth doula packages typically range from $800 to $2,500. Midwife fees vary by type and setting — home birth midwives usually charge a global fee of $4,000–$8,000, while hospital-based CNM care is billed through insurance like a doctor's visit. See our full doula cost breakdown for what's included and what to ask about. If you're also thinking about support after baby arrives, learn what a postpartum doula does and how one can help.
If that number feels steep, you're not alone, and there are options:
- Medicaid: Good news: your state covers doula services through Medicaid. See the details below.
- HSA/FSA: Many families don't realize that doula services can often be paid for with HSA or FSA funds, since birth support qualifies as a medical expense under most plans. Check with your plan administrator.
- Sliding-scale doulas: Many Philadelphia doulas offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees, or reduced packages. Don't be afraid to ask.
- Student doulas: Doulas in training often attend births at reduced rates. It's a great option if budget is tight.
Does Medicaid or Insurance Cover a Doula or Midwife in PA?
Pennsylvania Medicaid covers doula services as of 2024, with reimbursement of up to $1,250 per pregnancy through the PA Doula Program — covering prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum visits combined.
Pennsylvania private insurers vary widely on doula coverage — Aetna and UHC may partially reimburse with a superbill, while Cigna and Blue Cross of Pennsylvania often require pre-authorization. Always request a superbill from your doula and submit it with CPT code S9443 for the best chance of reimbursement.
Not sure what to look for in a doula or midwife? Here's how to choose a doula who fits your birth preferences, your personality, and your budget. For a full breakdown of which states cover doulas and midwives through Medicaid, see our Medicaid doula coverage guide.
What About a Midwife in Philadelphia?
If you're considering a midwife, you're in good company. More Philadelphia moms are choosing midwifery care each year. Here's what to know:
Not sure whether you need a doula, a midwife, or both? Our doula vs. midwife guide breaks it down clearly.
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) work in hospitals and birth centers and are covered by Medicaid in all 50 states.
- Midwives vs. OBs: Midwives spend more time with you: longer appointments, more conversation, less rushed. OBs are surgeons trained for complications. Both are valid choices for different situations.
- You can have both: Many Philadelphia practices pair midwives and OBs so you get midwifery-style care with a doctor backing you up if needed.
- Birth centers: Philadelphia has freestanding birth centers where midwives attend births in a home-like setting. See the details above.
Planning ahead
When to Start Looking for a Doula or Midwife in Philadelphia
Start looking around 12 to 20 weeks. That gives you time to meet a few doulas, compare approaches, and lock someone in before their calendar fills up — popular Philadelphia doulas often book up by the third trimester. Already past 20 weeks? Start now. Most doulas have room in their schedule and would rather work with you late than not at all.
The earlier you connect, the more time your doula has to learn your preferences, understand your hospital's policies, and build trust before labor day. Use the free app to browse doulas serving Philadelphia and start reaching out today.
What local moms ask
What Philadelphia moms want to know
How much does a doula or midwife cost in Philadelphia?
Expect $800 to $2,500 for a birth doula. Pennsylvania Medicaid covers doula services.
Can my doula come to the hospital with me?
Most Philadelphia hospitals allow doulas. Always confirm your hospital's policy ahead of time.
Does Medicaid cover a doula in Philadelphia?
Yes. Pennsylvania Medicaid covers doula services. See the details above.
What does a birth plan actually do?
It helps you think through your preferences before labor, so you can walk in confident instead of overwhelmed. Grab the free template.
Walk Into Your Birth Feeling Prepared: Not Anxious
The #1 thing Philadelphia moms tell us they wish they'd had? A clear plan they'd actually thought through, not just a form, but a process that helped them understand their options before the contractions started.
The free Joyful Birth Plan app walks you through every decision: who's in the room, what happens if things shift, what matters most to you, so you walk in confident. Prefer paper? Download the free PDF template instead.
Free · iPhone app or printable PDF · No account needed
Keep Reading
Related Resources for Philadelphia Families
Everything you need to know, from what a doula does to whether Medicaid will pay for one. These guides walk you through each topic so you can make decisions with confidence.
What Is a Doula?
What doulas do, how they help, and why families hire one. Covers the three types of doula support so you can decide what fits your birth.
Read more →
Benefits of a Doula
How doula support improves birth outcomes and satisfaction. Backed by research showing fewer C-sections, less pain medication, and shorter labors.
Read more →
How to Choose a Doula
Interview questions, red flags, and what to look for. A step-by-step approach to finding someone you genuinely trust with your birth.
Read more →
Doula Costs
What doulas charge and how to make it affordable. Covers typical ranges, payment plans, and whether your insurance or Medicaid helps cover the cost.
Read more →
Postpartum Doula
Support after birth: feeding, recovery, and adjusting. Learn how a postpartum doula helps with nighttime support, newborn care, and emotional recovery.
Read more →
Joyful Birth Plan Template
Free template to write down your birth preferences. A simple guided format that covers pain management, labor environment, and postpartum wishes.
Read more →
Doula FAQ
Common questions about hiring and working with a doula. Quick, honest answers to what first-time families ask most often.
Read more →
Doula vs. Midwife
The key differences and why you might want both. Breaks down who does what so you know exactly which provider you need for your birth plan.
Read more →
Medicaid Doula Coverage
Which states cover doulas and how to use your benefit. Step-by-step guide to Medicaid doula reimbursement by state.
Read more →Looking at Nearby Cities?
Your Questions About Doulas & Midwives in Philadelphia
The things Philadelphia moms ask us most, answered honestly.
How much does a doula cost in Philadelphia?
In Philly, doula packages typically run $800–$2,500 depending on experience and what's included — most cover 2 prenatal visits, labor support, and 1–2 postpartum visits. Some doulas offer sliding scale, and if you have PA Medicaid, you may qualify for full coverage up to $1,250.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid cover doula services?
Yes! As of 2024, Pennsylvania Medicaid covers doula services up to $1,250 per pregnancy through the PA Doula Program. You'll need to use a Medicaid-enrolled doula — contact your managed care plan for a list of enrolled doulas in Philadelphia.
What hospitals in Philadelphia have the highest level NICU?
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) has the only Level IV NICU in the city — the highest level available. CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) also operates a Level IV NICU for newborns who need transfer after birth.
Are there birth centers in Philadelphia?
Yes — the Philadelphia Birth Center in Germantown offers out-of-hospital birth with certified nurse-midwives. For more options, you can also look into birth centers in the surrounding suburbs or home birth with a licensed midwife.
Can I bring my doula to hospitals in Philadelphia?
Most Philly hospitals allow doulas in the delivery room alongside your medical team, but policies can vary — especially during flu season or if visitor restrictions are in place. Call your hospital's labor and delivery unit a few weeks before your due date to confirm their current policy.
What postpartum resources are available in Philadelphia?
Philly has strong postpartum support: Maternity Care Coalition offers home visiting and breastfeeding help across the city, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health runs free parenting groups, CHOP's Lactation Center provides expert breastfeeding support, and the Postpartum Support International PA helpline (1-800-773-6667) is available for perinatal mood concerns.
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Download PDF directlyExplore Birth Support in Other Cities
More cities with doula costs, hospital info, and Medicaid coverage.
Browse all cities in Pennsylvania or explore other states: Arizona · California · Colorado