New York Doula & Midwife Support
New York Doula & Midwife: Costs, Hospitals & Medicaid
True Joy Birthing is a free birth plan app and doula directory for first-time moms in New York. Whether you're looking for a doula or midwife in New York, 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 New York starts at $1500
Free · No account needed · Works on iPhone
From Park Slope to the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, New York families plan births across an enormous spectrum of settings. Manhattan's East Side hospital corridor houses some of the nation's top neonatal units, while birth justice organizers build support networks from Harlem to Bed-Stuy.
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 New York right inside the app. See their services, cost ranges, and availability without searching elsewhere. Many New York 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
New York City Doula & Birth Plan Guide: Costs, Hospitals & Medicaid (First-Time Mom)
Watch the full city guide — 4 hospitals, 2 birth centers, 5 doulas, costs, and NY Medicaid ($1,710 per pregnancy), all in under 8 minutes.
Local support
Doulas & Midwives Serving New York
Real people, real support: here are doulas and midwives who serve New York families. Every listing is a practicing provider, not an ad.
No doulas match your filters.
NYC Birth Village Doulas
CD(DONA)
NYC Birth Village Doulas
$2,000-$4,500
Hand-picked, vetted doulas ready to support you! Prepare for birth, lactation, and infant care
Serves New York, NY
Birth Matters NYC
CD(DONA)
Birth Matters NYC
$1,800-$3,500
Birth Matters NYC offers childbirth education, labor support doula services, and postpartum care across all five boroughs. Founder Stacey Stewart is a certified birth.
Serves New York, NY
Carriage House Birth
CD(ALACE)
Carriage House Birth
$2,500-$5,000
Carriage House Birth is a collective of doulas serving NYC and the surrounding area, offering birth and postpartum support, childbirth education, and lactation.
Serves New York, NY
NYC Doula Collective
CD(DONA)
NYC Doula Collective
$1,500-$4,000
The NYC Doula Collective provides experienced birth and postpartum doulas matched to each family's unique needs. Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx with.
Serves New York, NY
Ancient Song Doula Services
CD(DONA)
Ancient Song Doula Services
$1,200-$3,000
Ancient Song Doula Services is a Brooklyn-based organization providing doula care to women of color and low-income families, with a focus on birth justice and reducing.
Serves Brooklyn, NY, New York, NY
Doulas en Español
CD(DONA)
Doulas en Español
Sliding scale-$2,500
A collective of professional Spanish-speaking doulas providing humanized, culturally competent care to the Hispanic community in and around NYC. Offers no-cost doula.
Serves Bronx, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY, Queens, NY
Bx (Re)Birth and Progress Collective
Community Doula
Bx (Re)Birth and Progress Collective
Free-$2,000
A reproductive and birth justice collective founded in 2020 by Carmen Mojica and Evelyn Alvarez, comprised of experienced doulas, midwives, and lactation counselors.
Serves Bronx, NY
For Your Birth
LCCE (Lamaze)
For Your Birth
$1,500-$3,500
Founded by Naima Beckles, a childbirth educator and doula passionate about creating better outcomes for birthing people of color. Serves as a training organization and.
Serves Manhattan, NY, Bronx, NY, Brooklyn, NY
Evergreen Birth Services NYC
CD(DONA)
Evergreen Birth Services NYC
$1,500-$3,000
Founded by Elizabeth Sandoval Garcia, a Bronx-born and raised doula providing compassionate, evidence-based birth and postpartum care. Specializes in supporting.
Serves Bronx, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY, Queens, NY
The Birthing Place
CD, LCCE, CLC
The Birthing Place
Sliding scale-$3,500
Founded by Myla Flores, a certified doula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, and Certified Lactation Counselor. A team of BIPOC maternal health professionals working.
Serves Bronx, NY, Manhattan, NY
Sésé Birthing Freedom
Community Doula
Sésé Birthing Freedom
Sliding scale-$2,500
Founded by Nicole JeanBaptiste, a full-spectrum community-based doula of Caribbean and Southern American heritage offering a calming, culturally informed, humanistic.
Serves Bronx, NY, Manhattan, NY
Doulas in the Heights
CD(DONA)
Doulas in the Heights
$1,500-$3,500
The newest doula collective in New York City, serving Upper Manhattan including Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, and Inwood. Offers prenatal, birth, and.
Serves Manhattan, NY
Park Slope Midwives
CNM
Park Slope Midwives
Insurance covered
A certified nurse-midwife practice founded in 1993, affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Provides full-scope midwifery care including.
Serves Brooklyn, NY
Ashé Birthing Services
Full-Spectrum Doula
Ashé Birthing Services
Sliding scale-$3,500
A collective founded in 2016 balancing evidence-based research with ancestral practices to offer holistic, individualized care. Serves BBIPOC families in NYC,.
Serves Bronx, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY, Queens, NY
Brooklyn Birth Collective
CD(DONA)
Brooklyn Birth Collective
$1,800-$4,000
A team of doulas providing birth and postpartum support, childbirth education, and lactation services throughout New York. Attends all types of births — home, hospital,.
Serves Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY, Queens, NY
Boober
CD(DONA)
Boober
$1,500-$4,500
Founded by Jada Shapiro, Boober is a NYC-based platform connecting growing families to vetted birth and postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, and classes. Offers.
Serves Manhattan, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Queens, NY, Bronx, NY
Manhattan Birth
CNM, CD(DONA)
Manhattan Birth
$1,500-$3,500
A loving community of birth professionals founded by Tanya Wills, CNM, delivering no-nonsense childbirth education and newborn care in NYC. Offers comprehensive.
Serves Manhattan, NY, Brooklyn, NY
Birth Day Presence
CD(DONA), CAPPA
Birth Day Presence
$1,500-$4,000
Premier NYC provider of smart, non-judgmental childbirth education, breastfeeding and newborn care classes, infant CPR, and doula training. Founded by Jada Shapiro and.
Serves Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY
Sistahs of Motherhood
Community Doula
Sistahs of Motherhood
Free-$2,000 (Medicaid accepted)
A Brooklyn-based doula and breastfeeding support service led by Vicki, offering Medicaid-covered doula services and free community-based doula training programs..
Serves Brooklyn, NY, Queens, NY
Maryam Reproductive Health + Wellness
CNM
Maryam Reproductive Health + Wellness
Insurance covered / Sliding scale
A reproductive health clinic and dedicated community space in the Bronx, co-founded by Myla Flores, opened in November 2024. Provides comprehensive and culturally.
Serves Bronx, NY, Manhattan, NY
Judy Ribner, DNP, CNM
DNP, CNM
Holistic Midwifery New York
$4,000-$8,000
Holistic homebirth midwifery practice serving NYC and Long Island, founded on deep trust in the wisdom of the body. Blends conventional midwifery research with ancestral.
Serves Manhattan, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Long Island, NY
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.
Are you a doula or midwife serving New York?
Get listed on True Joy Birthing and reach expecting families in your area.
Get listed →Hospitals & Birth Centers in New York
Here's what you need to know about the hospitals where New York moms deliver.
622 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia (622 W 168th St in Washington Heights) has a Level IV NICU with midwifery services and a renowned maternal-fetal medicine program. Accepts Medicaid. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your delivery here.
VBAC: VBAC available with maternal-fetal medicine consultation
Doulas: Doulas welcome as support persons; check current visitor policies
Water birth: Hydrotherapy available; water birth varies by provider and unit
550 First Ave, New York, NY 10016
NYU Langone's Tisch Hospital (550 First Ave in Midtown East) has a Level IV NICU with collaborative midwifery. Private labor suites, baby-friendly designation. Accepts Medicaid. Use our free hospital birth plan template to navigate your birth preferences.
VBAC: VBAC available with provider consultation
Doulas: Doulas welcome as support persons
Water birth: Hydrotherapy available; water birth varies by provider
1468 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029
Mount Sinai Hospital (1468 Madison Ave on the Upper East Side) has a Level IV NICU, midwifery services, and a high-risk maternal-fetal medicine program. Accepts Medicaid. Use our free hospital birth plan template to plan your delivery.
VBAC: VBAC available with maternal-fetal medicine consultation
Doulas: Doulas welcome as support persons; verify current visitor policy
Water birth: Hydrotherapy available; water birth not routinely offered
79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst (79-01 Broadway in Queens) has a Level III NICU and serves as a safety-net hospital. Partners with community doula programs. Accepts Medicaid and NYC Care. Use our free hospital birth plan template to prepare for your birth.
VBAC: VBAC available with provider consultation
Doulas: Doulas welcome; Elmhurst partners with community doula programs
Water birth: Hydrotherapy not routinely available
100 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075
Lenox Hill Hospital (100 E 77th St, Upper East Side) has a Level III NICU, part of Northwell Health. Offers midwifery and lactation support. Accepts Medicaid. Use our free hospital birth plan template to plan your delivery.
VBAC: VBAC available with provider consultation
Doulas: Doulas welcome as support persons
Water birth: Hydrotherapy available; water birth varies by provider
2184 Ralph Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234
The Brooklyn Birthing Center (2184 Ralph Ave in Brooklyn) is one of the few freestanding birth centers in NYC, offering midwife-led births with water birth available. Accepts Medicaid. Pioneered out-of-hospital birth in NYC for over 30 years. Grab the free birth plan template to think through whether a birth center birth is right for you.
16 E 40th St, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Birthing Center NYC (16 E 40th St in Midtown Manhattan) is a holistic freestanding birth center with midwife-led, low-intervention care in a spa-like setting. Insurance coverage varies, so verify directly. Grab the free birth plan template to think through whether a birth center birth is right for you.
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 New York
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 New York moms do. Learn more about what a doula actually does →
New York City's birth culture is as diverse as its boroughs, from Manhattan's hospital-intensive landscape to Brooklyn and the Bronx's community midwifery traditions. The city has a robust doula community and has been a national leader in Medicaid doula coverage.
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 New York 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 New York?
In the New York area, birth doula packages typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. 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. Curious what doulas charge in your area? Our cost guide covers typical ranges, 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 New York 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.
How Much Does a Doula Cost in New York?
In New York, a birth doula typically costs between $1,500 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.
Birth Doula
$1,500–$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 New York 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.
In markets like this, we've seen birth doula packages ranging widely, with the biggest variables being experience level and what's included in the package. Some doulas offer sliding scale pricing or payment plans, so it's always worth asking, even if the listed rate feels out of reach. We've heard from doulas who volunteered a payment plan before the family even raised cost as a concern.
We've heard from families who successfully used their HSA or FSA to cover doula services with a Letter of Medical Necessity from their doctor. It can take persistence, especially if office staff push back on the paperwork, but many families get it approved. If a nurse or gatekeeper declines to pass the form along, bring it to your next in-person appointment and discuss it directly with your provider. We've also seen families request in-network exceptions from their insurance for doula care, though results vary widely by insurer and even by which representative you speak to.
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.
By the Numbers
Birth in New York: By the Numbers
Key birth statistics for NY families — because knowing the landscape helps you make informed choices about your birth.
32.4%
Cesarean Rate
Percentage of births via C-section
18.5
Maternal Mortality Rate
Deaths per 100,000 live births
1.5%
Home Birth Rate
Percentage of births at home
0.64%
Birth Center Birth Rate
Births in freestanding birth centers
Data from CDC NCHS National Vital Statistics System; NYS DOH Vital Statistics 2023, 2023.
Does Medicaid or Insurance Cover a Doula or Midwife in NY?
Yes — New York State Medicaid covers doula services at approximately $1,710 per pregnancy across prenatal, labor/delivery, and postpartum visits. Doulas enroll via the state's eMedNY system.
NY requires commercial insurers to cover lactation support, but doula coverage varies. Request a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. many plans partially reimburse.
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 New York?
If you're considering a midwife, you're in good company. More New York 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 New York practices pair midwives and OBs so you get midwifery-style care with a doctor backing you up if needed.
- Birth centers: New York 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 New York
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 New York 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 New York and start reaching out today.
What local moms ask
What New York moms want to know
How much does a doula or midwife cost in New York?
Expect $1,500 to $5,000 for a birth doula. New York Medicaid covers doula services.
Can my doula come to the hospital with me?
Most New York hospitals allow doulas. Always confirm your hospital's policy ahead of time.
Does Medicaid cover a doula in New York?
Yes. New York 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 New York 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 New York 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 New York
The things New York moms ask us most, answered honestly.
How much does a doula cost in New York?
Expect to pay $1,500 to $5,000. Can't swing the full price? Ask about sliding-scale options. most doulas would rather work with your budget than see you go without. The investment typically covers prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum check-ins. Grab the free birth plan template and start thinking about what matters most to you.
Does New York Medicaid cover doula services?
Yes! Great news. Medicaid covers doula services in New York. Here's your next step: call your Medicaid plan and ask "Do you cover doula services?". they'll walk you through it. You deserve support, and now your insurance helps pay for it.
Are there freestanding birth centers in NYC?
Yes, but very few. The Brooklyn Birthing Center is the main freestanding option. Hospital-based midwifery practices and certified home birth midwives are your other alternatives. Grab the free birth plan template to explore your options.
Which NYC hospitals have Level IV NICUs?
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, NYU Langone, and Mount Sinai all have Level IV NICUs. the highest designation. capable of caring for the most critically ill newborns. Grab the free birth plan template so you walk in knowing exactly what you want.
How do I find a doula who speaks my language in NYC?
Start with organizations like Ancient Song Doula Services and the NYC Doula Collective. They connect you with doulas who share your lived experience and serve diverse communities. Don't settle until you find the right fit.
Can I have a midwife-attended birth at a NYC hospital?
Yes. Several NYC hospitals including NYU Langone and NewYork-Presbyterian have midwifery practices supporting low-intervention births. Ask your provider about midwife-attended options.
Get Your Joyful Birth Plan
Enter your name and email and we'll send you the free fillable Joyful Birth Plan PDF plus a guided walkthrough in the app. No spam. Just the tools you need.
✓ Check your inbox: your birth plan is on its way.
While you wait, get even more from the free app:
No spam. Just your birth plan and occasional tips you can actually use.
Prefer to skip the email?
Download PDF directlyExplore Birth Support in Other Cities
More cities with doula costs, hospital info, and Medicaid coverage.
Browse all cities in New York or explore other states: Arizona · California · Colorado