New Mexico Doula Association

What New Mexico Doula Association does

The New Mexico Doula Association (NMDA) is a Las Cruces, New Mexico–headquartered 501(c)-style nonprofit association, founded in 2019 and operating statewide, that functions as the de facto trade body, advocacy organization, and service directory for community-based doulas in New Mexico. Its core products are the free NM Doula Directory (a CommunityBox-powered online directory of self-identified doulas searchable by location, service type, payment options, and identities served), the Full-Spectrum Care Access Passport (a downloadable PDF for tracking multi-provider support visits), and the 2026 Doula and Lactation Provider Managed Care Reference Guide (a co-developed onboarding tool for Medicaid credentialing and billing). NMDA's business model is grant- and donation-funded: cumulative grant receipts under the founding Executive Director exceeded $200,000 since 2020, including a $50,000 award from UnitedHealthcare in 2022, supplemented by donations processed through Network for Good, plus sub-participation in the $3.8 million NIH-funded BEing HEARD study at UNM Health Sciences. NMDA does not charge doulas for listings or families for searches; revenue accrues indirectly via advocacy that enabled Medicaid reimbursement for credentialed doulas under the Turquoise Care program starting July 2024 and via HB214 (Doula Credentialing and Access Act) signed in 2025. Its two primary customer segments are (1) New Mexican families — particularly BIPOC and Medicaid-eligible families — seeking pregnancy, birth, postpartum, abortion, fertility, and loss support, and (2) doula practitioners seeking directory visibility, training pathways (e.g., the Our Earth CBPA program), and Medicaid credentialing assistance. NMDA sells nothing directly to these segments at point of use; the value capture is reputational, regulatory, and funder-facing.

Name

New Mexico Doula Association

Legal name

New Mexico Doula Association

Website

https://nmdoula.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The New Mexico Doula Association is a BIPOC-led, statewide nonprofit that operates a free doula directory, delivers training and Medicaid credentialing resources, and advocates for birth and reproductive justice in New Mexico, serving families and doula practitioners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maternal and Reproductive Health Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (MNCAH) NGOs (HLAJAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (MNCAH) Partnerships (HLAJAOAG)

Keywords

• Doula services
• Birth support
• Reproductive justice
• Doula directory
• Birth equity advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Cruces

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: NMDA generates revenue primarily through grants. Melissa Marie Lopez secured over $200,000 in grant funding during her tenure as Executive Director. The organization also participates in NIH-funded research projects such as the BEing HEARD study pursuing $3.8 million in funding.
2. Donations: The organization accepts donations through Network for Good and Network for Good donation platforms.
3. Medicaid Reimbursement Advocacy: While not direct revenue for NMDA, the organization advocates for Medicaid coverage of doula services, enabling doulas to become Medicaid providers and receive reimbursement for their services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The New Mexico Doula Association (NMDA) operates a free statewide online directory connecting New Mexico families with self-identified doulas, while also providing educational resources, community-based doula services, and advocacy for systemic healthcare change. The organization leads policy initiatives such as the HB214 Doula Credentialing and Access Act, supports training and certification programs like the Our Earth CBPA program, and develops reference guides to help doulas and lactation providers navigate Medicaid credentialing and reimbursement.

Product overview

The New Mexico Doula Association offers a suite of products and services centered on birth and reproductive justice. Core offerings include the NM Doula Directory (a free searchable directory connecting families with doulas), the NMDA Full-Spectrum Care Access Passport (for tracking multi-provider support visits), and the Doula and Lactation Provider Managed Care Reference Guide (for Medicaid billing navigation). The organization also provides direct community-based doula services, advocacy and policy initiatives (including the HB214 Doula Credentialing Act), educational resources in English and Spanish, presentation services, and supports the Our Earth CBPA training program. The product portfolio works together to advance birth equity through direct services, advocacy, and education across New Mexico.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NM Doula Directory Free online directory service connecting New Mexican families with self-identified doulas who serve the state. Includes search filters for location, type of doula, services offered, payment options, and special identities. Directory entries include business name, contact information, services, and location.
• NMDA Full-Spectrum Care Access Passport Downloadable PDF resource for tracking support visits across multiple provider types including doulas, community health workers, lactation consultants, and nutritionists. Each provider bills separately.
• Doula and Lactation Provider Managed Care Reference Guide Comprehensive guide supporting doulas and lactation professionals in navigating New Mexico's Medicaid system, including credentialing steps, MCO contracting processes, and billing guidance for Blue Cross Blue Shield NM, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health Plan, and United Healthcare.
• Community-Based Doula Services Direct services including birth support, postpartum care, prenatal education, breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, and abortion doula services provided by community-based doulas serving African descended people, Indigenous families, and people of color.
• Doula Advocacy and Policy Initiatives Advocacy efforts focused on systemic change in healthcare to ensure equitable access and outcomes for all. Includes campaign for Medicaid reimbursement, the Doula Credentialing and Access Act (HB214), and training abortion doulas.
• Our Earth Certified Birth and Postpartum Attendant (CBPA) Program Training and certification initiative founded by Tintawi Kaigziabiher, grounded in a black feminist and liberatory framework. Part of NMDA's training ecosystem.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25% decrease in risk of Cesarean with birth doula support
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bold Futures NMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity and advocacy partner in coalition supporting the Doula Credentialing and Access Act (HB214) and Medicaid reimbursement for doula services.
• Breath of My Heart BirthplacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity birth center and advocacy partner working to advance reproductive justice and birth equity in New Mexico.
• Navajo Birthworker CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous birthworker collective serving Navajo communities, partner in coalition for birth justice.
• New Mexico Breastfeeding Task ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide coalition promoting breastfeeding support and education, co-developer of the 2026 Doula and Lactation Provider Managed Care Reference Guide.
• Our Earth Community Birth & Postpartum Attendant ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining and certification initiative founded by Tintawi Kaigziabiher, grounded in black feminist and liberatory framework. NMDA supports this training initiative.
• Tewa Women UnitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous women-led organization providing training programs including Yiya Vi K水解 Aghi, Inc. (Doubling/Life Giving), partner in coalition for reproductive justice.
• UNM Birth Companion ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-based birth companion program at UNM Health Sciences, partner in birth justice advocacy.
• Marigolde, LLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partner in coalition supporting doula credentialing and access.
• NewMexicoWomen.OrgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReproductive health advocacy organization partner in coalition for HB214.
• NM Voices for Children Action FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolicy advocacy organization focused on child and family well-being, coalition partner.
• NM Commission on the Status of WomenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState commission focused on women's issues, coalition partner for birth justice.
• Planned Parenthood of the Rocky MountainscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor reproductive healthcare provider, coalition partner supporting abortion doula training and Medicaid coverage advocacy.
• Strong Families NMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily advocacy organization part of Forward Together, coalition partner.
• UNM Health Sciences CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic health sciences center partnering on NIH-funded BEing HEARD study ($3.8 million) and collaborative research on perinatal substance use disorder.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of New MexicocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of four New Mexico Medicaid MCOs (under Turquoise Care) that will contract with and reimburse credentialed doulas for services.
• UnitedHealthcare Community PlancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Mexico Medicaid managed care organization that will contract with and reimburse credentialed doulas and lactation providers.
• Presbyterian Health PlancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Mexico-based Medicaid MCO that will contract with credentialed doulas for Medicaid reimbursement.
• Molina Healthcare of New MexicocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Mexico Medicaid MCO participating in Turquoise Care program, contracting with credentialed doulas and lactation providers.
• Luminar HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner collaborating on the 2026 Doula and Lactation Provider Managed Care Reference Guide development.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC): A national BIPOC-led organization working to advance birth equity through research, advocacy, and community-based initiatives. Closely comparable to NMDA's mission focus on birth justice and reproductive equity, though operating at national rather than state scale.
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance: A national Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance advancing Black maternal health, rights, and justice. Directly comparable to NMDA's BIPOC-led advocacy model and focus on community-driven birth equity, particularly through coalition building and policy advocacy.
• HealthConnect One: A national organization that pioneered the community-based doula model and supports doula programs across multiple states. Closely comparable to NMDA in its community doula training approach, with a similar focus on Medicaid reimbursement advocacy and birth equity for underserved communities.
• Ancient Song Doula Services: A New Jersey-based community doula organization providing full-spectrum doula services and training, with a strong focus on Black and Brown birthing people. Comparable to NMDA's community-based, BIPOC-led approach and its work on Medicaid policy advocacy at the state level.
• Mamatoto Village: A Washington DC-based organization offering community-based doula services, training, and perinatal support specifically for women of color. Directly comparable to NMDA in its training, advocacy, and direct service model for BIPOC birthing families.
• Mama Glow: A national doula training, education, and advocacy organization with a strong focus on birth equity and BIPOC maternal health. Comparable to NMDA in its combined training, advocacy, and community-facing programming, though operates more as a training/certification brand at scale.
• Commonsense Childbirth Inc. A Florida-based midwifery and birth center organization founded by Jennie Joseph focused on improving birth outcomes in underserved communities. Comparable to NMDA in its community birth-equity mission and Medicaid-friendly service model, though operating in a different state.
• SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective: A Southern-based national collective of women of color organizations focused on reproductive justice. Comparable to NMDA's reproductive justice framework and BIPOC-led coalition approach, though operating nationally with a Southern U.S. regional focus.

Broad incumbents

• DONA International: The oldest and largest international doula certifying organization offering credentialing, training, and continuing education across all 50 states and globally. Broadly comparable to NMDA's role in setting standards and supporting doulas, though DONA operates as a certification body rather than a community-justice advocacy organization.

Regional players

• Black Health New Mexico: A New Mexico-based Black-led organization working on health equity across multiple conditions including maternal health. Directly comparable as a regional coalition partner; both organizations serve New Mexico's BIPOC communities with overlapping health-equity missions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NewMexicoDoula
• Instagraminstagram.com/nmdoulaorg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nmdoula

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about New Mexico Doula Association