having a baby?
It is important to get the medical care you need. Our maternity program offers care for all stages of pregnancy. This comes at no extra cost to you.
Our team of care coordinators, social workers, and nurses are by your side.
The Maternity Program helps you:
- Coordinate your care to help you manage your pregnancy
- Get specialized care if you have a high-risk pregnancy
- Prepare for a new baby
- Support and coordinate your postpartum care
- Offer support if you are dealing with a pregnancy loss
- Manage family planning decisions
- Learn about breastfeeding and resources (available in Los Angeles and San Diego counties)
- Provide a recommendation for doula services
- Get connected with a doula
How does it work?
Our team
Our team has maternity nurses, social workers, and care coordinators.
Call
We’ll ask you questions to learn about your pregnancy status and overall health.
Personalized care
We’ll match you with a nurse, social worker, or care coordinator. They'll provide you with personalized care for your maternity needs. This includes:
- Working with your providers. They'll help you get referrals, a doula, screenings, and more.
- Locating resources to support your pregnancy. This can be birth classes, education materials, and healthy eating tips.
- Care management if you have a high-risk or challenging pregnancy
Follow-up
We'll check in with you monthly (or as needed). You can stay in the program for up to 3 months after your baby is born.
Doula Services
We now offer doula services. They’re one of the ways we’re improving access to pregnancy care. Our goal is a healthy outcome for parent and baby.
What is a doula?
Doulas are birth workers who provide birthing advice and nonmedical support. Their help is for all stages of childbirth. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, doulas can provide comforting pregnancy support. They can connect you with community resources and help create a birth plan. Doulas can help with birthing techniques.
During labor and delivery
Your doula can be present during delivery. They can provide nonmedical support during labor. A doula is your advocate. Doulas can talk with hospital staff. They’ll encourage the hospital staff to follow your birthing wishes.
After pregnancy
A doula can help you with breastfeeding, healing, and recovery. They can offer advice on infant care for up to 12 months after pregnancy. Doulas also provide support for stillbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
Your covered services
With a recommendation, you’re eligible for:
- 1 initial visit with your doula
- Up to 8 additional visits. These can be a combination of prenatal and postpartum visits.
- Support during labor and delivery, stillbirth, abortion, or miscarriage
- Up to 2 3-hour postpartum visits. These are in addition to the 9 visits (1 initial, 8 prenatal/postpartum)
If you desire additional doula support, call your provider. Or call our Maternity Care Management team. A second recommendation for up to 9 more visits can be provided.
Doula services require a written recommendation by a medical or licensed provider. Members are eligible if they’re pregnant. Or if they were pregnant within the past year.
How to get a recommendation for doula services
Reach out to your primary care doctor. Or call the Blue Shield Promise Maternity Care Management team at (888) 802-4410 (TTY: 711). We are here from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
You may qualify for assistance from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It is a government program that helps you get healthy food. It’s for you and your baby. Ask your provider how to sign up. There is no cost. You can learn more about WIC online. Call California WIC toll-free at (888) 942-9675.