Connecticut Doulas Can Now Apply for State Licensure—Here’s Why It Matters
Look at me, pretty excited to be the 18th licensed Doula in the state of Connecticut!
As of June 11, 2025, doulas in Connecticut were officially able to apply for state licensure—a monumental step forward for birth workers and the families they serve. This long-anticipated update positions Connecticut as one of the few states leading the way in recognizing and integrating doula care into the formal healthcare system.
If you’ve been searching for a licensed doula in Connecticut, or are a birth professional yourself wondering what this means, here’s what you need to know.
Why Don’t Doulas Have Licensure in Every State?
Unlike nurses or midwives, doulas are non-medical support professionals. That means we provide physical, emotional, and informational support—but not clinical care. Because of this, doula certification and training have traditionally happened through private organizations (like DONA, Madriella, or CAPPA) rather than through the state.
Only a few states currently offer a formal licensing structure for doulas, including Washington, Oregon, and now Connecticut. In most of the U.S., doulas are unregulated, even though the demand for doula services continues to grow.
A Long Time Coming: The Road to Doula Licensure in Connecticut
This progress didn’t happen overnight. Advocates and birth professionals have been pushing for doula licensure in Connecticut since at least 2019.
In 2021, a state advisory council began reviewing how to best define, train, and certify doulas.
By June 2023, House Bill 986 was passed, outlining a clear path to licensure through the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).
In July 2023, a Doula Advisory Committee was created to finalize training standards, core competencies, and continuing education requirements.
And now, as of June 11, 2025, the application for state licensure is officially open to doulas across Connecticut!
What Licensure Means for Doulas in CT
If you’re a doula in CT or looking for doula services, here’s what this change means:
✅ Formal recognition: Licensed doulas now have official state recognition of their professional scope and standards.
✅ Medicaid reimbursement: Starting January 1, 2025, licensed doulas in Connecticut should be able to bill directly through HUSKY/Medicaid as part of the state’s maternal care bundle.
✅ Improved access for families: With the ability to bill insurance, more families—especially those in underserved communities—can access doula care without cost barriers.
✅ Better outcomes for birthing people: Studies continue to show that doula support reduces cesarean rates, improves birth satisfaction, and lowers maternal mortality, especially among Black and Indigenous birthing people.
Why This Is a Game-Changer for Birth in Connecticut
This is more than just paperwork. It’s a major shift in how doulas are seen within the healthcare system.
🔹 It affirms the value of continuous, culturally responsive support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
🔹 It allows for increased collaboration between doulas and medical teams.
🔹 It means doulas in Connecticut are now officially part of the reproductive care solution—something we’ve known all along.
If you’re looking for a birth doula expert near Hartford, or want to know more about how doula support can fit into your birth plan, now is the perfect time to reach out.
Are You a Doula? Here’s How to Apply
If you’re a trained doula in Connecticut, you can apply for licensure through the DPH website. The application process includes uploading your credentials and training documentation, plus a $100 fee.
Final Thoughts
Licensure is a win for doulas, a win for birthing families, and a win for public health. If you’ve ever felt like your doula care wasn’t fully recognized—this is for you. If you’ve ever wished you could access doula support through insurance—this is for you, too.
We’re entering a new era in reproductive care in Connecticut. And it’s just getting started.
Need a doula in Hartford? Want virtual pregnancy coaching in Connecticut?
Let’s connect. As a doula who’s supported hundreds of births and specializes in clients navigating pregnancy after loss or infertility, I’m here to help you feel supported and informed—every step of the way.
And because you know I love to site my sources, so you can research too, you can find more info below!
Governor Lamont’s Office – Doula Certification Press Release
JAMA Network – Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth