Doulas and Birth Workers in Minnesota

Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They can help you advocate for birthing person and baby your baby and support you and your family throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum process.

Research has demonstrated that having the support of a doula can provide benefits such as:

• Reduced rates of unplanned c-sections.
• Reduced rates of preterm birth.
• Decreased the length of labor.
• Improved maternal satisfaction.
• Increased rates of breastfeeding.
• Reduced rates of postpartum mood disorders.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists noted in 2014: “Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula.”

Minnesota State Statute 144.1461, cited as the "Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act", dedicates resources to improving maternal and infant health and birth outcomes in groups with the most significant disparities through:

• Identifying barriers to obtaining doula services.
• Developing strategies to increase the availability of doula services.
• Promoting racial, ethnic, and language diversity in the doula workforce.
• Exploring ways to ensure that doula training and education are culturally responsive and tailored to the specific needs of groups with the most significant disparities.

Spotlight on community partners

• Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) - Introducing the NAZ Doula and Home Visiting
• St. Luke's Duluth - Plus One Doula Program

Additional resources and education

• Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act (Sec. 144.1461 MN Statutes)
• Maternal Mortality in Minnesota
• What's the Difference Between a Midwife and a Doula?
• Doulas are assisting Black mothers with their births
• Initiative Trains Native American Women as Doulas to Improve Health Care Outcomes

For doulas and birthworkers

List your information

By joining the searchable list of doulas and birth workers, you are making it easier for families to find you and hire you. A common barrier to initiating doula services is accessibility for families seeking services fitting their birthing goals. By joining the state’s searchable directory of doulas and birth workers, you are enhancing accessibility for families seeking your services. Your participation contributes to our comprehensive understanding of the workforce in Minnesota, enabling the state to partner in identifying areas of greater need and allocate support.

Complete the Doula's Information for Help Me Connect form to submit your information.

Things to consider:

• All information is voluntary, and the Minnesota Department of Health does not check the validity or accuracy. 
• Please provide as much information necessary, this will help families have a comprehensive understanding of services available.

Sign up for the newsletter

Would you like to connect with other doulas, birth workers, and organizations in Minnesota? This quarterly newsletter will include:

• Training opportunities
• Events
• Updates from community groups
• Policy changes

This is a new resource for the workforce. We will adjust frequency and content based on interest. Use the link at the bottom of this webpage to sign up.