The Doula Alliance of Arkansas, in partnership with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, has launched a statewide survey to better understand the business needs of doulas and those who want to become doulas.
As Arkansas prepares to implement Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, the Alliance and ASBTDC want to ensure doulas are well-positioned to succeed as business owners and service providers.
A doula offers continuous, hands-on care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. To receive Medicaid reimbursement for their services, doulas must be certified through the Arkansas Department of Health.
The survey asks doulas and aspiring doulas about challenges and opportunities in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing, HIPAA compliance, and access to resources.
Responses will shape future training, one-on-one consulting, and other resources to help doulas start and grow their practices.
“Doulas provide critical care and advocacy for families, and as our state moves forward with Medicaid reimbursement, it is essential that doulas also have the business support they need,” said Lori Ross, executive director of the Doula Alliance. “By completing this survey, doulas will directly help us build programs that work for them.”
ASBTDC brings decades of experience helping Arkansas entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. By collaborating with the alliance, ASBTDC will extend that expertise to doulas.
“We are pleased to partner with the Doula Alliance to bring our small business expertise to this growing field,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “This survey will help us better understand how to equip doulas with the knowledge and resources that will strengthen their businesses and increase access to doula care.”
Fine will discuss the survey and ASBTDC services for doulas when she addresses the Doula Alliance of Arkansas 2025 Fall Conference on Oct. 11. The multi-site conference is free for members or $50 for non-members. Participants can attend in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Mountain Home, or Jonesboro.
The survey is available online and will remain open through Oct. 21. Doulas and potential doulas are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives.