Agoura Hills Doula & Midwife Support
Agoura Hills Doula & Midwife: Costs, Hospitals & Medicaid
True Joy Birthing is a birth plan app and doula directory for first-time moms in Agoura Hills. Whether you're looking for a doula or midwife in Agoura Hills, 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.
Birth doula support in Agoura Hills starts at $1800
Free · No account needed · Works on iPhone
At 38 weeks in Agoura Hills, you're likely planning the short drive to Los Robles Regional Medical Center on Janss Road in Thousand Oaks, about 15 minutes up the 101. The Kanan Road and 101 interchange can back up during morning and evening commutes, so if your labor starts around rush hour, give yourself extra time. The Santa Monica Mountain trails around Paramount Ranch and Old Agoura Park offer gentle, scenic walks for those final-weeks strolls.
About Agoura Hills, CA
Agoura Hills is a small, family-oriented city in the Santa Monica Mountains foothills of western Los Angeles County, about 20,000 residents, sitting between Calabasas and Westlake Village on the 101 corridor. The birth community is anchored by midwifery and doula care: The Midwife and More, a CNM practice, operates directly in Agoura Hills, and doula collectives in the Conejo Valley (Lotus Doula Tribe, DoulaDiligence Collective) serve the area. There is no hospital within Agoura Hills city limits — families deliver at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, the closest maternity hospital, or at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana and Dignity Health Northridge for higher-risk needs. California's Medicaid (Medi-Cal) covers doula services for eligible members, and the state's 2023 cesarean rate of about 32% tracks the national average.
Content reviewed by Shelbi Kohler, CD(DONA), certified birth doula, 500+ families supported
This page was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a certified birth doula. Content accuracy is verified against current medical guidelines and local provider data.
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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
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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 Agoura Hills right inside the app. See their services, cost ranges, and availability without searching elsewhere. Many Agoura Hills 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
Agoura Hills Doula & Birth Plan Guide: Costs, Hospitals & Medicaid (First-Time Mom)
Watch the full city guide — Agoura Hills doulas and midwives, hospitals, costs, and California Medicaid (Medi-Cal covers doula care), all in under 5 minutes.
Local support
Doulas & Midwives Serving Agoura Hills
Real people, real support: here are doulas and midwives who serve Agoura Hills families. Every listing is a practicing provider, not an ad.
No doulas match your filters.
Mary Skinner
CD(DONA), Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula
Lotus Doula Tribe
$2,200-$5,000
Mary Skinner is a mother of three and a holistic birth and postpartum doula who owns Lotus Doula Tribe, a collective of mothers supporting mothers in the Conejo Valley. A lifetime yogi, she combines yoga, meditation, and sound baths with labor support to help create a peaceful, empowered birth experience. Her offerings include ancestral Ayurvedic healing techniques such as belly binding, warm oil massage, sitz baths, and closing of the bones ceremonies, along with birth doula and postpartum care.
Serves Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Newbury Park, Conejo Valley
Sharon Jensen-Cody
DONA Trained Birth Doula, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
DoulaDiligence Collective
$2,500
Sharon Jensen-Cody leads the DoulaDiligence Collective, a team of compassionate, highly trained doulas serving the Conejo Valley and nearby Agoura Hills communities. Her birth-work calling was sparked at age 17 when she witnessed her sister give birth, and she brings an evidence-based, intuitive approach to labor support. She is also a certified pediatric sleep consultant passionate about helping families achieve restorative sleep with their little ones, and offers placenta and lactation services.
Serves Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, Conejo Valley
Christine Cannon, CNM, WHNP-BC
CNM-BC, WHNP-BC, RN
The Midwife and More
Insurance accepted
Christine Cannon is a board-certified Certified Nurse Midwife and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in Agoura Hills at The Midwife and More. Her team provides personalized prenatal, labor, and postpartum care with hospital births at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, blending relationship-centered midwifery support with immediate access to advanced medical resources. The practice serves families across the Ventura-LA County line and has experience supporting high-risk pregnancies in collaboration with OB physicians.
Serves Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Conejo Valley
Cris Levin
Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist
Making Memories Agency
$45-$50/hr
Cris Levin is a postpartum doula and newborn care specialist based in Agoura Hills with 10 years of experience, specializing in sleep training and parent support. She helps families with feeding, diapering, bathing, and soothing techniques, and provides customized sleep plans and overnight care. She offers virtual consultations and speaks both English and Spanish.
Serves Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Los Angeles County
Monica Mayer
Birth Doula Certification, Postpartum Doula Certification
Breath 2 Birth
$1,800-$2,000 birth; $40-$50/hr postpartum
Monica Mayer is a birth and postpartum doula serving the Conejo Valley and Agoura Hills area, offering birth support packages, postpartum care, and overnight newborn care. She provides complimentary consultations, prenatal and postpartum meetings, and unlimited labor support. Monica accepts Medi-Cal and offers services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with a focus on individualized, judgment-free family support.
Serves Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Conejo Valley
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.
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Get listed →Hospitals & Birth Centers in Agoura Hills
Here's what you need to know about the hospitals where Agoura Hills moms deliver.
215 W Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks is the closest maternity hospital to Agoura Hills, designated a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care by Blue Shield of California. The hospital's Level III NICU is a 12-bed unit staffed 24/7 by neonatologists, neonatal nurses, and respiratory therapists, with secure video streaming so parents can view their baby remotely. Los Robles explicitly welcomes doulas at the bedside and is surrogate-friendly and inclusive of all family types. Private birthing rooms feature wireless fetal monitoring, birthing balls, peanut balls, glider rockers, refrigerators, and private bathrooms, with newly redesigned mother-baby suites offering queen-size beds. Lactation consultants and breastfeeding education support skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in. The hospital reported about 1,783 live births, with dedicated C-section operating suites and maternal-fetal medicine specialists on-site 24/7, and AWHONN fetal-heart-monitor-certified nurses. Community CNMs such as The Midwife and More deliver here. Childbirth classes, infant CPR, and breastfeeding classes are offered, and in-person maternity tours are available. Use our free hospital birth plan template to get started.
Doulas: Doulas explicitly welcome at the bedside
Water birth: Birthing balls and tubs for labor comfort
18321 Clark St, Tarzana, CA 91356
Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center houses the Women's Pavilion, providing full-spectrum maternity care in the San Fernando Valley about 25 minutes from Agoura Hills. The Level III NICU is certified by California Children's Services (CCS) and has consistently ranked in the top ten percent nationally, offering the highest level of neonatal care in the San Fernando Valley with a high-risk follow-up clinic after discharge. The care team includes obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, certified nurses, and lactation consultants working together for a family-centered birth experience, with midwifery available through the provider network. The hospital offers virtual maternity classes and tours, a Maternal Wellness WarmLine (1-844-992-1266) for perinatal mental health support Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, and a full-time resource nurse connecting families to books, videos, and community education programs. Birth plans are honored with preferences for pain medication respected, and epidural requests are honored even if plans change. Doulas are welcome as support persons. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your delivery here.
Doulas: Doulas welcome as support persons
Water birth: Labor tubs available
18300 Roscoe Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325
Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center's Family Birth Center offers 24/7 obstetrical services from board-certified OB hospitalists through the OB Hospitalist Group, about 25 minutes from Agoura Hills. The Level IIIB NICU provides advanced care for premature and critically ill babies, including nitric oxide therapy for infants with respiratory failure secondary to persistent pulmonary hypertension. Private labor-delivery-recovery suites are home-like with medical equipment hidden in custom cabinetry and advanced monitoring allowing mobility during labor, supporting natural childbirth, vaginal birth, and cesarean birth in one room. The center holds a Silver Center of Excellence designation for perinatal care and was named one of Newsweek's 'Best Maternity Hospitals' in 2020. Lactation support includes multilingual mother-baby-trained nurses and an in-person breastfeeding support group on Thursdays (1-2pm); the lactation department is reachable at 818-885-8500 ext. 22289. Mother-baby rooming is encouraged for bonding, and free virtual childbirth education is offered as a four-class series covering stages of labor, pain management, breastfeeding, and postpartum parenting. Use our free hospital birth plan template to get started.
Doulas: Doulas welcome in labor-delivery-recovery suites
Water birth: Mobility and natural-birth support in one room
About 25 miles / 35 minutes from Agoura Hills
23548 Lyons Ave Suite B, Newhall, CA 91321
SCV Birth Center is the premier freestanding birth center in the Santa Clarita Valley and the longest-standing in Los Angeles County, serving families since 2010. It was the first birth center in the Santa Clarita, Antelope, and San Fernando Valleys to earn national accreditation. Care is led by California Medical Board-licensed midwives, a Certified Nurse Midwife, and an IBCLC, offering evidence-based, relationship-centered care that supports physiologic birth with clinical safety. Services include natural childbirth, water birth, home birth, lactation support, well-woman care, and pelvic floor therapy. Located about 25 miles / 35 minutes from Agoura Hills.
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 Agoura Hills
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 Agoura Hills moms do. Learn more about what a doula actually does →
Agoura Hills is a small, family-oriented city in the Santa Monica Mountains foothills of western Los Angeles County, about 20,000 residents, sitting between Calabasas and Westlake Village on the 101 corridor. The birth community is anchored by midwifery and doula care: The Midwife and More, a CNM practice, operates directly in Agoura Hills, and doula collectives in the Conejo Valley (Lotus Doula Tribe, DoulaDiligence Collective) serve the area. There is no hospital within Agoura Hills city limits — families deliver at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, the closest maternity hospital, or at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana and Dignity Health Northridge for higher-risk needs. California's Medicaid (Medi-Cal) covers doula services for eligible members, and the state's 2023 cesarean rate of about 32% tracks the national average.
Continuous labor support
A doula provides continuous support from early labor through delivery. No shift changes, no handing you off to someone else.
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 Agoura Hills 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 Agoura Hills?
In Agoura Hills, a birth doula typically costs between $1,800 and $5,000. This usually includes two prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and at least one postpartum check-in. Prices vary based on experience, the number of visits included, and whether add-ons like childbirth education or placenta encapsulation are bundled in. 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.
Birth Doula
$1,800–$5,000
Prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum follow-up.
Postpartum Doula
$25–$45/hr
In-home newborn care, feeding support, and recovery help.
Doula rates in Agoura Hills typically reflect the local cost of living, with experienced doulas charging more as they build their practice. It's not uncommon for doulas with 10 or more years of experience to charge at the higher end of the range, while newer doulas may charge less as they build their client base. The personal connection matters too. Families who chose a more experienced doula often say the investment was worth it.
If that number feels steep, you're not alone, and there are options:
- 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. We've heard from families who successfully used their HSA or FSA with a Letter of Medical Necessity from their doctor. It can take persistence, but many families get it approved. Check with your plan administrator.
- Sliding-scale doulas: Many Agoura Hills doulas offer payment plans, sliding-scale fees, or reduced packages. Don't be afraid to ask. We've heard from doulas who volunteered a payment plan before the family even raised cost as a concern.
- Student doulas: Doulas in training often attend births at reduced rates. It's a great option if budget is tight.
For a full breakdown of what is included in a doula package and what to ask about during consultations, see our complete doula cost guide. For help with insurance and Medicaid coverage, see the section below. If you're also thinking about support after baby arrives, learn what a postpartum doula does and how one can help.
By the Numbers
Birth in Agoura Hills: By the Numbers
Key birth statistics for CA families — because knowing the landscape helps you make informed choices about your birth.
32%
Cesarean Rate
Percentage of births via C-section
10.5
Maternal Mortality Rate
Deaths per 100,000 live births
0.9%
Home Birth Rate
Percentage of births at home
0.5%
Birth Center Birth Rate
Births in freestanding birth centers
Data from CDC NCHS, National Vital Statistics System, 2023.
Does Medicaid or Insurance Cover a Doula or Midwife in CA?
Yes — California covers doula services through Medi-Cal. Since January 2023, you can receive free doula care during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period if you qualify for Medi-Cal coverage.
Under California SB 332, commercial health plans must cover doula services. If you have private insurance, ask your carrier whether doula care is included — several plans in Los Angeles County now cover it, though you may need to check with your specific plan and provider.
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 Agoura Hills?
California licenses Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) to practice in hospitals and birth centers, with the Midwifery Bridge Certificate (2024) also allowing Licensed Midwives (LMs) who meet requirements to attend home births. Agoura Hills families have excellent midwifery access through The Midwife and More, a CNM practice based in Agoura Hills delivering at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in nearby Thousand Oaks. For families seeking out-of-hospital birth, SCV Birth Center in Newhall (Santa Clarita) offers accredited freestanding birth center care roughly 35 minutes away.
California recognizes CNMs (hospital and birth-center practice) and LMs (out-of-hospital and home birth), giving Agoura Hills families strong provider choice across all birth settings.
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 Agoura Hills practices pair midwives and OBs so you get midwifery-style care with a doctor backing you up if needed.
- Birth centers: Agoura Hills has freestanding birth centers where midwives attend births in a home-like setting. See the details above.
Lactation Specialists in Agoura Hills
Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, combo-feed, or you're still unsure, a lactation specialist in Agoura Hills can help you through the first weeks. Here's what to know before you book:
- IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) — the highest credential; found in hospitals and private practice; can handle complex issues like ties, low supply, and NICU feeding.
- CLC / CLS (Certified Lactation Counselor / Specialist) — common in community and WIC settings; great for routine early support and answering day-to-day questions.
- Insurance often covers it: The ACA requires lactation consulting coverage on most private plans — confirm your in-network IBCLCs and any out-of-pocket cost before booking.
- See it early: Book a prenatal lactation visit in your third trimester and a postpartum visit within the first week home — don't wait for a crisis.
We haven't verified an IBCLC or CLC in Agoura Hills yet — but lactation help is still close. Most Agoura Hills hospitals above offer inpatient IBCLC support, and your insurance plan (under ACA rules) typically covers outpatient lactation consults. How to find a lactation consultant near you walks through the search, or ask your OB or midwife for an in-network referral.
Not sure where feeding fits in your plan? The free birth plan template includes a feeding-preferences section.
Planning ahead
When to Start Looking for a Doula or Midwife in Agoura Hills
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 Agoura Hills 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 Agoura Hills and start reaching out today.
What local moms ask
What Agoura Hills moms want to know
How much does a doula or midwife cost in Agoura Hills?
Expect $1,800 to $5,000 for a birth doula. California Medicaid covers doula services.
Can my doula come to the hospital with me?
Most Agoura Hills hospitals allow doulas. Always confirm your hospital's policy ahead of time.
Does Medicaid cover a doula in Agoura Hills?
Yes. California 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 Agoura Hills 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 Agoura Hills 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 Agoura Hills
The things Agoura Hills moms ask us most, answered honestly.
How much does a lactation consultant cost in Agoura Hills?
An IBCLC consult in Agoura Hills typically runs $150–$300 for an initial 90-minute visit and $75–$150 for follow-ups. The good news: under the ACA, most insurance plans cover lactation consulting with no cost-sharing — confirm your in-network IBCLCs and any out-of-pocket cost before booking.
Does insurance or Medicaid cover lactation consultants in Agoura Hills?
Yes for most plans. The ACA requires coverage of lactation support and counseling on most private plans, and California Medicaid covers lactation consulting. Medicaid also covers doula services in your area. Always call your plan to confirm in-network IBCLCs before your first visit.
How much does a doula cost in Agoura Hills?
Birth doula packages in the Agoura Hills area typically run from about $1,800 to $5,000, depending on the provider and level of support. Monica Mayer offers birth doula packages from $1,800 to $2,000, Mary Skinner of Lotus Doula Tribe offers packages from $2,200 to $5,000, and Sharon Jensen-Cody of DoulaDiligence Collective offers a full birth doula package at $2,500. Confirm current quotes and what prenatal, labor, and postpartum support is included with each provider.
Does Medicaid cover doulas in Agoura Hills?
Yes - California's Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) covers doula services for eligible members. Coverage depends on your specific Medi-Cal plan and the doula's enrollment status, so confirm current benefits with your plan before hiring a provider.
Which hospital do Agoura Hills families deliver at?
There is no hospital within Agoura Hills city limits. Most local families deliver at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, about 15 minutes away, which has a Level III NICU and welcomes doulas. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana and Dignity Health Northridge offer additional maternity options with Level III and IIIB NICUs.
Does True Joy Birthing work with Agoura Hills families?
True Joy Birthing provides free birth-preparation tools for families in Agoura Hills, including a birth plan and guided preparation resources.
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