Traditional Health Worker Doulas
The Traditional Health Worker (THW) Doula path came into effect in 2013 after Oregon House Bill 3311 was passed.
The intent behind this bill: “Oregon Health Authority (OHA) shall explore options for providing or utilizing doulas in the state medical assistance program to improve birth outcomes for women [families] who face a disproportionately greater risk of poor birth outcomes.” THW Doulas are meant to reflect the priority communities that we are to serve such as:
Black, Indigenous, Latines, people of color
Families that English is not their primary language
LGBTQI+
Pregnant Teens
Families experiencing houselessness (homeless)
Families experiencing Substance Use Disorder
Of course, not all families fall into these priority communities and there are other social determinants that can impact pregnancy outcomes. The THW Doula workforce does reflect a wider range of communities, though the majority are higher- economic-cis-white doulas [2018 Oregon Doula Workforce; 2022 Listening to Doulas II]
This pathway enabled doulas to become THW Doulas as a first step into becoming eligible for Medicaid or Oregon Health Plan (OHP) reimbursement for services. Truthfully, there have been challenges throughout the years in becoming a Traditional Health Worker Doula, primarily, the process can be tedious and the reimbursements have been really low, $350.00 for 2 prenatal visits, labor support, and 2 postpartum visits (this rate is to be increased to $1500 sometime in 2023). Some Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) have really made THW Doulas a priority and been instrumental in providing better reimbursement rates for THW Doulas.
For Doulas and Company (Rogue Valley Doulas), the THW Doula model has been important to us because it has allowed us to integrate into various systems that provide care to our (mutual) clients. We’ve been able to sit in various committees and meetings locally, at the state level, and even nationally to advocate for better care for families.
As some of the first THW Doulas in the Rogue Valley that have paved the way, we've supported over a dozen doulas in our community to become eligible for the THW designation and continue to by welcoming them into our practice to meet the birth requirements and guiding them step-by-step on filling out the multiple applications and explaining the various processes to be fully set up as Medicaid Providers.
Our team understands the reasons why this program exists and makes continuous efforts to stay updated on Standards, Best Practices, and local hospital/birth center Protocols. We are committed to working collaboratively to serve our community. We share a common goal, respect each other’s expertise, and hold each other accountable to ensure we meet our ethical and professional standards.
Are you someone that would like to become a THW Doula? We highly recommend taking a training through Doula Training Center.
Are you a Doula already, but would like to take the next step into becoming a THW Doula? Let’s chat!
Already a THW Doula and would like to join our Collaborative Practice? Let’s Connect!
The Boxing Doula
The birth room is no place for a boxing match,
I recently came across a post stating something along the lines of “doulas are there to fight for you.”
Let me start off by telling you that in my years of being a doula, I have never needed to “fight” anyone for my clients’ wishes.
I have had to remind my clients of their wishes that were discussed during their prenatal visits and ask if they have changed their mind or what they needed or make suggestions in order to make their wish a reality, especially if they wanted an unmedicated birth and now considering pain management.
I have had to support and guide my clients regardless of where their birthing journey took them… always asking, “Do you have any questions about that?”
Part of making decisions and being comfortable with the choices we make happens when we are a part of the conversation, can freely ask any questions, and weigh our options.
Being supported by your family, friends, medical team, and doula through your choices is helpful, but knowing that you have that power to make those choices yourself and be an advocate for yourself (fight for yourself) is the foundation of empowerment.
Let me say that again:
The power you hold is the foundation for your empowerment...
to ask questions, make decisions, to fight for yourself.
The birth room is no place for a boxing match.
Doulas should not be putting a fight in the birthing room. The birthing room is a sacred space where new life is about to emerge. This space should be filled with as much love, comfort, safety, and consideration.
At Rogue Valley Doulas we strive to build bridges with our clients’ medical team, because we believe that when we work collaboratively, we truly make a difference in our clients’ care. We do not fight. We learn what provider’s preferences are, what kind of protocols or procedures are in place at your birthing place and guide you through that by encouraging communication with your medical team about how those things set in place will positively or negatively affect you during labor.
You chose your medical provider for a reason, you trust this provider with the most precious moment in your life. If you don’t feel this way, seek a second opinion or a different provider. Southern Oregon has a great selection of OB practicing providers, whether you want a midwife or an obstetrician.
As your doula, we are not the boxers, we are the trainers. We are there to encourage you, support you, and remind you of the strength you have to fight for yourself.
OHP Doulas
Have you heard the news?
Oregon Health Plan has expanded their coverage to include Labor Support from doulas that are State Certified.
07/06/2020 Update: We are so excited to share that Rogue Valley Doulas became the first Doula organization to ever contract with a Coordinate Care Organization in Oregon in 2019.
We are so grateful to AllCare Health for seeing the value in us and working with us as we both learned how to navigate this new service!
We hope to follow suite with Jackson Care Connect this year.
Our Traditional Health Worker Doulas are looking forward to supporting you for your upcoming birth!
3/18/2018: We are working diligently with Jackson Care Connect, AllCare Health and Primary Health of Josephine County to ensure a smooth process for our mutual clients.
In the meantime, if you have OHP and are wanting a doula for your birth, feel free to contact us to be added to the wait list.
Be sure to Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with this process!