Where to Start
We’re so glad you’re here! Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating postpartum, or supporting a loved one through the end of life, we’re here to walk beside you. If you’re not sure where to begin, this guide will help.
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A doula is a trained, compassionate professional who offers physical, emotional, and informational support through life’s biggest transitions.
At Transitions: Doula & Life Services, our team includes:
Birth Doulas - Support you and your partner through pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Postpartum Doulas - Help ease the adjustment at home with a new baby.
Transitional Care Doulas - Provide guidance and support through life’s in-between moments, helping navigate changes in health, care, and next steps
End-of-Life Doulas - Provide presence, comfort, and guidance through the dying process.
Our goal is to support you, on your terms, with your needs at the center.
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We know choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer flexible options and expert guidance every step of the way.
Here’s a quick guide to help:
I’m pregnant and want support during labor.
➡️Start with a Birth Doula Package
I’m already home with my baby (or getting close) and need help adjusting.
➡️Check out our Postpartum Doula support.
I want to take a class on childbirth, newborn care, postpartum, or breastfeeding.
➡️Explore our Education section for class dates.
I’m busy and I need help caregiving for my parent(s)
➡️Fill out his form and contact us http://www.transitionsdoulaservices.com/contact
I’m helping someone who is nearing the end of life.
➡️Fill out his form and contact us http://www.transitionsdoulaservices.com/contact
Still unsure? Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you find the right fit!
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If you are eligible for Medicaid, you qualify for up to $1800 in birth and postpartum doula support at no cost to you.
This can cover:
Prenatal support visits.
Labor and birth attendance.
Postpartum doula support.
One-on-one childbirth education and breastfeeding education.
We’ll help you through the process. Reach out, and we’ll walk you through what’s covered and what your services are right for you!
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The short answer: sometimes.
Doula services are not universally covered by insurance plans in the United States. However, more families are finding creative ways to get partial or full reimbursement for their birth and postpartum doula care.
Transitional and End of Life Doula Services are private pay.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Check with Your Insurance Provider
Start by calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Ask if they cover out-of-network services for birth or postpartum doulas, and whether they require pre-authorization or documentation (like a letter of medical necessity from your provider).
2. Use Your HSA or FSA
Many families successfully use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to pay for doula services (and education and encapsulation!). Check with your plan administrator to confirm, but doula care often qualifies as a reimbursable expense.
3. Submit for Reimbursement
Even if your insurance doesn’t officially cover doulas, some families have received partial reimbursement after submitting:
A detailed invoice with service codes
A letter of medical necessity from a healthcare provider
A summary of services provided
We’re happy to provide documentation to support your reimbursement efforts.
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Finding your doula is simple, and we’re here to help you find your best fit!
Review our Services to get an idea of what you’re looking for. (Not sure? Contact us and we’ll help you decide!)
Contact us to inquire about services and availability. We will connect you with the doula(s) you’re interested in meeting. You can learn more about the doula team here.
Have a free consultation with the doula(s) you’re wanting to learn more about. This can be in-person, virtually, or phone call depending on your convenience.
Once you’ve decided on a doula and service package (don’t worry, we’ll help you!), complete the agreements and pay the retainer fee.
It’s official! You’re on the calendar! Your doula will be in touch to schedule visits, provide resources and support.
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Just by being a doula client, you unlock benefits within Transitions: Doula & Life Services.
Encapsulation Services discount
Community Room Rental discount (think Baby Showers and first birthdays!)
Access to lending library of dozens of books
Client portal with evidence based resources
Access to the “hive mind” of the team… it’s like having fifteen doulas in your back pocket!
Built in backup in the event of doula illness or family emergency
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The Agency Model serves two purposes… better support YOU and better support doulas. Our mission rings true for our clients and doulas alike: Nurture the individual. Enhance the family. Cultivate community.
Better Support for You
Built in backup: Family emergencies and illness can happen, but you will still have a vetted, professional doula no matter what.
Access to a wealth of knowledge: You’ll have access a team of birth and postpartum experts!
Fresh doula energy: Of course no one wants to think about long labors, but in the event that your labor stretches out, we can send in a fresh doula with fresh energy and ideas.
Better Support for Doulas
Did you know? The average burn out time for a solo doula is 2 years.
This is caused by lack of support, mentorship, back up support, and isolation in the work. While doula work is superbly fulfilling, it is also emotional/physically/spiritually taxing.
Imagine planning your life nine months in advance. Missing holidays, birthdays, vacations, kids' events at the drop of a hat.... Supporting labor all day and all night, then coming home to parent your own children... Witnessing and holding space for your clients, while not absorbing their challenges.
Doulas carry A LOT on their shoulders.
They do it because they make a difference, and they love the work. They leave it because of everything listed above.
Transitions: Doula & Life Services has answered the call for support by cultivating a team of doulas to support each other WHILE supporting birth and postpartum. By working with an agency, you are supporting sustainability in the work.
The Birth Doula
A birth doula is a knowledgeable, supportive guide for you during labor and birth. Our role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and just after childbirth. We don’t replace medical professionals like doctors or midwives but instead focus on ensuring you and your birth partner feels empowered, comforted, and informed throughout the experience.
Think of a us as a mix between a coach, cheerleader, and calm presence. We offer things like breathing techniques, positioning suggestions, hands-on comfort measures (like massage or counterpressure), and reassurance to both you and your partner. Our goal is to help you have a positive and supported birth experience, no matter what kind of birth you are planning—whether it's unmedicated, with an epidural, or a C-section.
The Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula is a knowledgeable, supportive companion for you and your family in the early days and weeks after birth. Our role is to provide emotional support, hands-on help, and evidence-based guidance as you adjust to life with a newborn.
Unlike a nanny or babysitter, we focus on caring for your whole family, not just your baby. We offer practical help like newborn care, feeding support (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding), meal prep, light housekeeping, and help with infant sleep. Just as importantly, we provide emotional reassurance, answer questions, and help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
Our goal is to make your transition into parenthood smoother, ensuring you feel rested, supported, and empowered as you recover from birth and bond with your baby.
“Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor. ”
Are you a South Dakota Medicaid Recipient or Provider? Doula services are a covered service through Medicaid! Contact us!
Doula Packages
Birth Support
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Starts at $1300
At least two prenatal appointments covering the topics of birth and postpartum preferences and comfort measures, usually around 28 and 36 weeks.
Your own Postpartum Planning custom download
24/7 on call support during your birthing time, 38-42 weeks
Continuous support throughout labor, whenever and wherever that is
Phone, text, email support throughout this journey
Resource emails covering the topics of birth and postpartum preferences, comfort measures, labor stimulation and breastfeeding
Call and text support throughout the postpartum period
A postpartum check in from your doula to discuss healing, feeding, and to process the birth story
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PLANNED CESAREAN BIRTH / $800
If you’re anticipating a cesarean birth, you will be in great healing hands with the Cesarean Doula Package!
The Standard Cesarean Doula Package consists of:
One prenatal appointment covering the topics of birth and postpartum planning. This is the time to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
Your own Postpartum Planning custom download
Phone, text, email support throughout this journey
Resource emails covering the topics of birth and postpartum preferences, and breastfeeding
A postpartum check in from your doula to discuss healing, feeding, and to process the birth story
Postpartum Support
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$40/hour DAYTIME, $45/hour OVERNIGHT
Don't see a package that fits your needs? Let us know your budget and we can work with you to build a customized package that meets you where you’re at.
The basic requirements include:
Minimum of 3 hour day/6 hour night shifts
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DAYTIME
48 HOURS / $1825
This package makes a great baby gift. Need some help getting the hang of things? We’re here for you.
The Starter Postpartum Doula Package consists of:
A postpartum doula consult during pregnancy to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
Your own Postpartum Planning custom download
Phone, text, email support throughout this journey
Resource emails covering the topics of postpartum and feeding.
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DAYTIME + OVERNIGHT
116 HOURS / $4790
Transition your way into the fourth trimester. This package mixes days and nights to ease your way through your postpartum period, and come out the other side feeling supported and healed.
The Transitional Package consists of:
A postpartum doula consult during pregnancy to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
Your own Postpartum Planning custom download
Phone, text, email support throughout this journey
Resource emails covering the topics of postpartum preferences and feeding
Doula Support includes:
80 overnight hours (minimum 6 hour shift) to use in the first 8 weeks
36 day time hours (minimum 3 hour shift) to use in the first 8 weeks
Suggested scheduling: taper down overnights, while increasing day visits
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OVERNIGHT
120 hours / $5,200
Keep your feet under you for the first month by making sure you’re getting the rest you need to heal.
The Standard Overnight Package consists of:
A postpartum doula consult during pregnancy to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
Your own Postpartum Planning custom download
Phone, text, email support throughout this journey
Resource emails covering the topics of postpartum and feeding
Doula Support includes:
120 overnight hours (minimum 6 hour shift) to use in the first 8 weeks
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OVERNIGHT
410 hours / $18,050
This package helps your family sleep, and transitions your overnight schedule with help from your doula.
The Executive Overnight Package consists of:
A postpartum doula consult during pregnancy to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
Your own Postpartum Planning custom download
Phone, text, email support throughout this journey
Resource emails covering the topics of postpartum and feeding
Doula Support includes:
Weeks 1-3: overnight support 5 nights/week, 10 hour shifts
Weeks 4-6: overnight support 4 nights/week, 10 hour shifts
Weeks 7-8: overnight support 3 nights/week, 10 hour shifts
Weeks 9-12: overnight support 2 nights/week, 10 hour shifts
Birth Support + Postpartum Support
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Starts at $1995
Consists of everything in the Standard Birth Doula Package PLUS
A postpartum doula consult during pregnancy to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
20 hours, daytime, in home Postpartum Doula Care
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Starts at $3995
Consists of everything in the Standard Birth Doula Package PLUS
Your choice of one of the amazing childbirth education courses OR placenta encapsulation service… you choose!
A postpartum doula consult during pregnancy to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
60 hours, day or night, in home Postpartum Doula Care
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$11,300
If you’re anticipating a cesarean birth, the deluxe cesarean package adds a comprehensive postpartum support plan for six weeks post delivery.
The Deluxe Cesarean Doula Package consists of:
One prenatal appointment covering the topics of birth and postpartum planning. This is the time to discuss your priorities and concerns, make a plan how to best work together to meet your needs, and support the transition into your fourth trimester
Your own Postpartum Planning custom download
Phone, text, email support throughout this journey
Resource emails covering the topics of birth and postpartum preferences, and breastfeeding
Doula Support includes:
10 hours of doula support in the hospital, day or night, split up as desired
Daytime postpartum support hours in the home, 7 days of 4 hour shifts, scheduled as desired to use in the first 8 weeks
Overnight postpartum support hours in the home, 120 hours to use in the first 8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Doula Support
Does my insurance cover doula support?
Some insurances do cover doula support! As of January 1, 2025, recipients of South Dakota Medicaid receive up to $1800 in doula support. Other insurances that have been known to reimburse in the past are BCBS and medishare plans. HSA and FSA can also cover doula services.
Let us know how getting the support you desire more feasible. We offer payment plans!
My (insert family member) will be around to help after baby, do I still need a postpartum doula?
In some cases, your mom/mother in law might be the perfect person to support your new family. In other cases, maybe they have different parenting philosophies. Maybe they don't live nearby, so their support is only for a small window of time.
As a postpartum doulas, we can provide care at any point in the postpartum journey, and we have the training and education (and experience!) to provide a non-judgmental and empathic ear.
So what do you DO the entire time you're here?
During our initial conversation, we will discuss your specific needs with the understanding that your actual needs may change over the duration of our time together.
Our primary concern is that your needs are being met... have you slept? when did you eat last? do you want to jump in the shower? what are you struggling with right now?
We can also help with light housework, like washing pump parts or bottles, folding laundry, preparing meals or even running to the store for you. We’re really good at entertaining toddlers and older children so you can get a break without another human hanging off of you.
We’ll never leave a shift without touching base on how YOU are doing... because when everyone else only sees the baby, we will be watching the foundation (read: Mom/Birthing Person/Parent/Family Unit).
Overnight: Your doula will join you in the evening and check in with how your day went, help with any concerns, and provide that emotional support before you slip off to bed. Your doula will then have an ear out for baby the entire night, and provide nighttime care.
Exclusively breastfeeding? Our lactation counselor will help you and the doula develop a plan so that you can get sleep AND continue to feed as you intend! Don’t
How long do you stay?
It all depends on your needs! A minimum day shift is 3 hours, and a minimum overnight shift is 6 hours. Some families want help once or twice a week, while others prefer a little help every day. Some postpartum doulas limit their time with their clients to the first few months of baby's life... At Transitions, we find the postpartum period definitely extends further, and we can provide services beyond that time.
What makes you different?
We have a team that has been in this birth community for years. We’ve supported countless families on this journey, and we’ve helped process many, MANY birth experiences.
We have a Certified Lactation Counselor (Renee), and can help you with latch, breastfeeding assessment, and weighted feeds in your home.
We have brought home our own babies, and can personally empathize with so many different scenarios that families encounter in this season of life.
We support and celebrate families of all kinds.
What are Daytime hours vs Overnight hours?
Daytime (7am-7pm)
Overnight (7pm-7am)