Our CEO On Why 2026 Marks a Turning Point for Doulas in U.S. Maternity Care

January 16, 2026

Mahmee was recently featured in Managed Healthcare Executive’s 2026 predictions on accountability, transparency, and equity in U.S. healthcare. In the piece, our CEO, Melissa Hanna shares why 2026 will be a turning point for recognizing doulas as essential members of the maternity care workforce and not as just a "nice to have".

As Medicaid reimbursement expands and pregnancy complexity rises, the industry is moving away from independent doula models toward organized, employed care teams that work alongside nurses, lactation consultants, and mental health providers. It’s a shift Mahmee has been building toward for years, that promises better outcomes for families and long-overdue stability for the doula workforce.

Read the Managed Healthcare Executive article here.

Related Stories

This Mahmee Mom Needed Support When Everything Went Right

When things go right during pregnancy, having a team to support you — whether a doula, a pelvic floor therapist, an acupuncturist, or otherwise — could still make all of the difference.
Continue Reading

Beyond Language: What Cultural Competency in Birth Care Really Means

“Cultural competency isn’t just about whether someone speaks your language,” Cowan explains. “It’s about whether you feel respected, understood, and safe.”
Continue Reading

Join the Community

Real stories and smart insights for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—curated and delivered to your inbox weekly by Mahmee’s founder, Melissa Hanna.
You're all set - welcome to The Whole You!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.