# Guides

Doulas has 6 guides on doulas, grouped by country.

## United States

- [Doula rules in the United States](https://doulas.fyi/guides/doula-rules-in-the-united-states.md): This guide covers what this site's sources say about doulas in the United States: voluntary registries, state Medicaid payment, private certification, and why coverage does not guarantee access.

## General

- [Common doula mistakes and questions to ask](https://doulas.fyi/guides/common-doula-mistakes.md): The most common mistakes people make when hiring a doula are easy to avoid. Ask the right questions early and you get the right support.
- [Doula Cost and Medicaid Coverage](https://doulas.fyi/guides/doula-cost-and-medicaid-coverage.md): Published doula packages in the US typically run $450 to $1,800, and 26 states plus Washington, DC reimburse doula care through Medicaid as of March 2026.
- [How to choose a doula](https://doulas.fyi/guides/how-to-choose-a-doula.md): Pick two or three doulas or programs, talk to each one, compare what they offer and what they charge. Trust how the first conversation feels.
- [Reading a doula listing](https://doulas.fyi/guides/reading-a-doula-listing.md): Each listing shows the doula type, price range, certifications, languages and whether they accept insurance. A complete listing has more information to compare.
- [What Is a Doula?](https://doulas.fyi/guides/what-is-a-doula.md): A doula is a trained companion who supports a person and their family through birth, the postpartum weeks or the end of life. A doula does not give medical care.

> **Not medical advice.** This site is a directory, not a clinical service. A doula gives emotional, physical and informational support, not medical care. Always talk with your midwife, doctor or other licensed clinician about medical decisions.