What is a Menopause Doula?

While you may have heard of a birth or pregnancy doula, did you know that menopause doulas also exist? A menopause doula is often referred to as a holistic practitioner who offers social and emotional support to women navigating the menopause transition. 

As mentioned, you likely have heard of a “birth doula” or a “midwife” before. These two professionals provide targeted support to women during pregnancy and childbirth.^1,2 A menopause doula functions similarly, however they offer information and guidance regarding the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur during menopause. It’s important to note that menopause doulas are not certified medical professionals. However, they can serve as an important member of your healthcare team to help you advocate for yourself and make informed decisions about symptom solutions and lifestyle changes that can help increase your overall well-being during this important stage of life.³

The length and type of training may differ between menopause doulas when compared to other types of health coaches, birth doulas, and midwives. Where menopause doulas excel is in the social sphere of health and well-being as they provide evidence-informed information and integrative personalized support to help you feel capable in your changing body.⁴

What Do Doulas Do?

Generally, doulas help provide continuous support for women going through childbirth to increase their ability to cope physically and psychologically.⁵ Menopause doulas differ because they do not provide support for childbirth, but they provide similar services as a birth doula except with a focus on menopause and hormone health. 

Their main role is to provide personalized, holistic care that focuses on your unique needs as a woman navigating the uncertain journey of menopause. Here’s a breakdown of what menopause doulas typically do:

1. Provide Emotional and Mental Support: A menopause doula offers a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about the emotional challenges of menopause, such as feelings of loss, anxiety, or mood swings. For example, they typically offer services in a format similar to that of licensed counselors or therapists, such as in one-on-one or group formats. Sessions can range in price depending on the doula’s expertise and certifications, usually between $25 to $125 per hour.^6,7

2. Symptom Management: Menopause doulas provide information on managing common symptoms like hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and more. They can help you explore both medical and natural ways to address these symptoms by working together with an integrative care team of other medically trained professionals. They do not prescribe or diagnose as they are not medically trained.⁸

3. Offer Holistic and Alternative Approaches to Self-Care: Some doulas offer alternative therapies, such as acupressure or reflexology, to help ease symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue. They may teach relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or breathing exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.⁹

4. Provide Health Advocacy and Community Support: They can help you navigate medical options, such as hormone replacement therapy (also known as HRT, menopause therapy or MT), and empower you to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options.¹⁰

General practitioners may not always have the experience or time to go into the detail needed to determine how your hormone health is influencing the multiple functions occurring throughout your body. A menopause doula can take the time to not only educate you about what is happening in your body, but they can also offer complementary relaxation practices and lifestyle recommendations to give you the courage to take action and improve your life.¹¹

Benefits of Working with a Menopause Doula

One of the main benefits of working with a menopause doula is that you can work closely with a professional who most likely has been through what you are experiencing and has been trained on resources and tools that can make it easier understand how to move through menopause with confidence. 

Women may feel like their needs are sometimes dismissed when they go for routine check-ups at their doctor’s office. Some medical professionals may not always have the time and understanding of how to support women’s health concerns, but others may have never received the education around how to help women manage their menopause symptoms and experience. While menopause doulas are not medically trained, they can serve as a compliment to your existing medical team, creating a more holistic care approach to menopause and its symptoms. 

As mentioned earlier, some benefits of working with a menopause doula can include: 

1. Decreasing your mental load by giving you the tools and resources you need to feel better
2. Facilitating connection with other women, helping you feel less isolated
3. Reducing fear and uncertainty about the process and the symptoms you are experiencing through education
4. Providing holistic support through lifestyle changes and personalized self-care practices that work with your mind and your body, not against it
5. Empowering you to reclaim agency and make informed choices that include your individualized experience

Are Doulas Covered by Insurance?

Menopause doulas are generally not covered by traditional health insurance, as they are not classified as licensed medical professionals. However, there are a few ways you might be able to get financial assistance or reimbursement:^12,13,14,15

●     Some menopause doulas offer services that could be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement, especially if they provide health coaching or wellness support. Check with your HSA/FSA provider to see if menopause-related support qualifies.

●     Some employers offer wellness stipends or reimbursements for holistic health services, including menopause support. If your workplace has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they might offer coverage for menopause-related wellness services.

●     If a menopause doula has a background in nursing, nutrition, or another licensed field, their services might be partially covered under holistic health or therapy benefits. If you're looking for a menopause doula, it’s a good idea to ask directly about pricing and payment options. 

If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to call your insurance provider to ask directly to see if these services might be supported.

Training and Certification Programs for Menopause Doulas

So, what does it take to become a menopause doula? It seems there are a few accredited menopause doula training programs, though the field is still emerging. Training lengths vary based on the program, but most range from a few weeks to several months and cover topics like hormonal changes, symptom management, emotional support, and advocacy.¹⁶ 

Whether you have just entered menopause or are anticipating the menopause transition starting soon, a menopause doula could be a valuable resource in helping you feel empowered and connected to your experience

By offering personalized strategies, symptom management support, and a compassionate space for discussion, menopause doulas empower women to embrace this phase of life with confidence and clarity. 

Resources:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22648-midwife
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23075-doula
3. https://health.stonybrookmedicine.edu/whats-the-difference-between-a-midwife-and-a-doula/
4. https://flourishwholehealth.com/menopause-doula
5. https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula-2/
6. https://rhondagearing.com/services-fees
7. https://flourishwholehealth.com/book-online
8. https://menomademodern.com/post/the-menopause-doula-charting-a-path-to-health-and-well-being-with-dana-lawson/  
9. https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula-2/
10. https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/menopause-doula-midlife-coach-advice-help-nfcjlrt35
11. https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/menopause-doula-midlife-coach-advice-help-nfcjlrt35 
12. https://fsastore.com/fsa-eligibility-list/m/menopause-treatment-and-medical-services?srsltid=AfmBOopsYm8a3rDOyBQcaDeNN9ALapF6UqQuZBgDwqnL6GLclwLliMmf
13. https://www.emblemhealth.com/providers/news/supporting-womens-health-202405
14. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/benefits-compensation/menopause-benefits-new-workplace-trend
15. https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx
16. https://themenopauseschool.com/