NATIONAL DOULA NETWORK
About Us
The National Doula Network is a doula-owned and managed organization that creates pathways for certified community-based birth doulas to be fully recognized maternal health professionals eligible for Medicaid and private insurance reimbursement. Women who receive care from a doula report improved health outcomes for both themselves and their infants, including shorter labors and lower cesarean and preterm birth rates. A doula’s non-medical approach to emotional and physical support is a proven key strategy for improving maternal and infant health. While the benefits of doula care are widely recognized, there are still many barriers to accessing doula services. NDN is focused on closing this gap and strengthening maternal and infant health in the United States by reducing disparities in access to doula supported perinatal care.
What We Do
CONTRACT
With Medicaid Managed Care Organizations for reimbursement of birth doula services.
With certified birth doulas to receive reimbursement for supporting clients with Medicaid.
CREDENTIAL
Credential certified birth doulas to care for MMCOs members.
Work with Doula Certifying Agencies to provide pathways for credentialing birth doulas.
SUPPORT
The initiatives of the state of Florida, community groups and MMCOs to improve birth outcomes.
Provide charting, billing, continuing education and organizational support to birth doulas.
Join the fastest growing network of birth professionals
Our Founders
Elizabeth Simmons, MS, CD
Elizabeth is a co-founder and CEO of the National Doula Network. Elizabeth began her career in maternal health as a birth doula so it only makes sense that she is returning to this world now. Elizabeth combines her business experience from owning and operating a free standing birth center in Boulder, CO with her passion for supporting pregnant people to create a pathway for doulas to be reimbursed by Medicaid. Elizabeth’s dream is for community doulas to be fully recognized, appreciated, and valued members of the medical team that puts the pregnant women in the middle for all care.
Kara Van de Grift, MSW, MSPH
Kara is co-founder and COO of the National Doula Network. She has over 15 years of experience working in community-based public health and education programs serving infants, children and families. She is a mama, trauma-informed postpartum doula, educator and experienced nonprofit professional. Kara is passionate about addressing health disparities, achieving health equity and building collaborative partnerships to impact community and population health.
Our Founders
Elizabeth Simmons, MS, CD
Elizabeth is a co-founder and CEO of the National Doula Network. Elizabeth began her career in maternal health as a birth doula so it only makes sense that she is returning to this world now. Elizabeth combines her business experience from owning and operating a free standing birth center in Boulder, CO with her passion for supporting pregnant people to create a pathway for doulas to be reimbursed by Medicaid. Elizabeth’s dream is for community doulas to be fully recognized, appreciated, and valued members of the medical team that puts the pregnant women in the middle for all care.
Kara Van de Grift, MSW, MSPH
Kara is co-founder and COO of the National Doula Network. She has over 15 years of experience working in community-based public health and education programs serving infants, children and families. She is a mama, trauma-informed postpartum doula, educator and experienced nonprofit professional. Kara is passionate about addressing health disparities, achieving health equity and building collaborative partnerships to impact community and population health.