The Boxing Doula

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.

How To Get A Breastpump

Did you know that if you have the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or private insurance you can get a breast pump if you need one?

Here is how:

Your provider will need to write you a prescription.

If you have Jackson Care Connect or AllCare, you can take your prescription or have your provider send it to the following locations:

Northwest Medical 
935 Town Center Drive #101, Suite B
Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541-973-2616 Fax: 541-973-2620
You will need to bring a photo ID and provide 3 emergency contacts. 
Pump Choice: Medela Pump-N-Style Advanced

For AllCare members only:

Wellness Ware
1547 NE F Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: 541-956-7647 Fax: 541-956-8739
Pump choices: Ameda Purely Yours Ultra or Medela Pump-N-Style Advanced

Byram Healthcare (Mail Order)
Phone: 877-773-1972  Fax: 800-521-6291
You will get the pump in the mail
Pump choices: choose your own pump on their website. 

Unsure if pumping is right for you?
Need more infant feeding assistance?
We'd be happy to refer you to some amazing local lactation consultants!

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!

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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!