California’s Maternal Care Network: What Pregnant People in Kern County Should Know

California offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive maternal health systems, which includes full coverage through pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum, plus access to doulas, midwives, and community-based support. Yet many eligible families, especially immigrants and people of color, remain unaware of these protections.

By Cecil Egbele | California Local News Fellow

California offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive maternal health systems, which includes full coverage through pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum, plus access to doulas, midwives, and community-based support. Yet many eligible families, especially immigrants and people of color, remain unaware of these protections.

“We want to be clear,” said Raquel Saunders, section chief in the Medi-Cal Benefits Division, “all pregnant people, regardless of immigration status, are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal from the start of their pregnancy through that year postpartum.” Saunders said the state has no plans to scale back services and emphasized that personal information is confidential and not shared with federal immigration authorities.

Doula care: a central pillar of support

Since January 1, 2023, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has covered doula services under Medi‑Cal maternal care plans. As of December 2025, more than 1,140 doulas have enrolled statewide, a clear sign that the program is ramping up. Services available include prenatal visits, labor support (for birth, miscarriage, or abortion), postpartum visits, and lactation or emotional support. Clients receive one initial visit, up to eight prenatal/postpartum visits, support during delivery, and up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits; with a second recommendation, up to nine additional postpartum visits may be authorized.

“These services are grounded in evidence-based practices and early intervention strategies aimed at preventing birth complications,” Saunders said. “We are continuing to enroll doulas, and the numbers are increasing steadily.”

For Medi-Cal members: to find a doula, consult the DHCS doula directory (organized by county, language spoken, specialties, etc.). If you’re in a managed-care plan, contact your plan’s Member Services.

This support can make a big difference. Research consistently shows that doula-assisted births are associated with fewer cesarean deliveries, higher rates of successful breastfeeding, better maternal mental health outcomes, and stronger satisfaction with care, benefits that are often most meaningful to women of color and low-income families.

Who benefits most, and why this matters

Data show that Black women face disproportionately high rates of birth complications, maternal morbidity, and mortality compared to white, Hispanic, and Asian women.

In 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in the U.S. was about 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. In the same year, the rates were much lower for:

• White women: 14.5 per 100,000
• Hispanic women: 12.4 per 100,000
• Asian women: 10.7 per 100,000

This means Black women experienced maternal death rates more than three times higher than other groups.

Black women face the highest rates of pregnancy-related complications and deaths in both California and the country. Even in a state with some of the strongest maternal health protections, the numbers tell the story.

Research has shown that Black women are more likely to face severe maternal morbidity, including hemorrhage, preeclampsia, infections, and emergency C-sections.

This is why California’s expanded doula care, midwifery services, and full-scope Medi-Cal coverage are especially critical.

Doula care, culturally competent birthing support, and extended postpartum coverage are part of what health advocates call a “whole-person” strategy, not just medical care but also emotional support, birthing autonomy, follow-up, and maternal well-being. Doulas from within communities often speak the languages, understand cultural values, and build trust with families who may be fearful or underserved.

For years, many immigrant families have remained reluctant to use Medi-Cal or other public programs, even during pregnancy, because of fear around immigration enforcement or a “public-charge” designation. Those fears grew under the previous federal administration and continue to affect behavior, despite legal and regulatory changes.

Saunders emphasized that the state isn’t rolling back services and that personal information is never shared with federal immigration authorities. “We want to be clear: all pregnant people, regardless of immigration status, are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal from the start of their pregnancy through that year postpartum.”

California “Whole-Person Care” Model

Policymakers emphasized the breadth of services under California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), particularly its “whole-person care” model, which funds housing support, food assistance, transportation, and community health workers. These workers help pregnant individuals with appointments and culturally responsive care, especially addressing needs related to language barriers and unstable housing.

A key element of this support is Family PACT, California’s free family-planning program. It offers birth control, STI testing, pregnancy testing, cervical cancer screenings, and fertility education to income-eligible individuals, regardless of immigration status. Last year, the program served about 350,000 people through 1,200 clinics statewide.

“Family PACT is a wonderful option for people who do not have coverage for family-planning services,” said Sara Gilbert, chief of the Office of Family Planning. “Using Family PACT does not affect public charge status.” Enrollment can be completed on the same day at participating clinics, and many sites offer services in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and other languages.

For mothers in Kern County

If you live in Bakersfield or elsewhere in Kern County and are pregnant or have recently given birth, these local resources are available:

• The Kern County Department of Public Health’s Perinatal Outreach Program (POP) serves pregnant women on Medi-Cal who live in Bakersfield, Arvin, Lamont, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, McFarland, Delano, and surrounding towns. Call: 661-321-3000.
• Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) is the county’s main Medi-Cal health plan. To apply for or renew Medi-Cal through KFHC or the county office, call 877-410-8812 (TTY 711) or visit BenefitsCal online.

If you are already on another Medi-Cal managed-care plan, check with your plan’s “Maternity Care Management” or Member Services for doula access.