Inland Northwest

Tricare Doula Collective

Empowering military and local families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with a collective of expert doulas and lactation specialists.

Who We Are

The Spokane & North Idaho Tricare Doula Collective is a professional alliance of certified doulas and lactation specialists dedicated to supporting those who serve. We provide a consistent, high-quality “anchor” of support for families navigating the healthcare system in the Inland Northwest.

Universal Eligibility & Early Connection

Our collective is committed to serving every military family entitled to Tricare benefits. We strongly encourage families to contact us as soon as they know they are pregnant. You do not need to wait until your 20th week to reach out; early connection ensures you have time to interview doulas, confirm availability, and begin building a relationship with your birth team before your benefits officially activate.

Tricare Childbirth Support Demonstration (CBSD)

Tricare currently covers doula care as a comprehensive benefit for eligible members. This program ensures professional non-medical support is accessible to most members at no out-of-pocket cost. Here is how your coverage works:

  • 24 Units of Outpatient Care: Flexible support for prenatal education, birth planning, and postpartum recovery.
  • Continuous Birth Support: In-person labor support from the moment you need us until your baby is born.
  • 6 Clinical Lactation Visits: Expert feeding support separate from doula hours.

Meet Our Collective

Beth Mathis

Certified Birth Doula CD(DONA), Lactation CLC

Bienvenue Baby Doula Service

Tricare

Apple Health

Private Pay

In person lactation services for Tricare beneficiaries

Birth is a natural event, that sometimes needs medical intervention. It can be difficult to navigate without an evidence based guide. I believe every mother should have the option to have a doula. I realized this after the birth of my son in 2009, so I became certified in 2011. When I learned in 2022 that Tricare was starting the CBSD and that I was the only one in Spokane that qualified, I contracted with them. Lisa joined me a bit over a year later, and we have never turned a beneficiary down for service.

My goal is that both you and your partner walk through your birth journey feeling empowered to make your decisions confidently. I’d love the opportunity to be a part of your team.

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Lisa Viehouser

Certified Birth Doula, CD(DONA), (PALS Doulas)

Mama Bear Doula Services

Tricare

Apple Health

Private Pay

I believe that becoming a parent is one of life’s most beautiful yet challenging transitions—a unique moment where your past, present, and future converge. While navigating this journey can feel overwhelming, you do not have to do it alone. I am here to provide the steady physical, emotional, and informational support you deserve, helping you feel confident and empowered to make the best decisions for yourself and your child.

My path to becoming a doula began naturally; while raising my own children, I often supported friends as they welcomed their own. I discovered that having the right support from the start builds lasting confidence for the challenges of parenthood. This passion led me to become a certified doula in 2020. In 2021, I met Beth and found a friend, and a kindred spirit in our shared desire to love and support families. Coming from a military family myself, I began supporting military families as a Tricare doula in 2022.

I am particularly dedicated to supporting parents who have experienced trauma in childhood or as adults. I have sought specialized training to provide these families with the most informed, loving, and sensitive support possible.

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Jenni Danley

Certified Birth Doula

Jenni Gayle Doula Services

Tricare

Apple Health

Private Pay

I believe every birthing person deserves to make fully informed decisions that feel right for them, without pressure or judgement. Which is why I decided to become a certified doula in 2024, after years of hearing my heart call to the work. Whether you are planning a medicated hospital birth, an unmedicated home birth, VBAC, or anything in between, I provide continuous physical comfort, emotional support, and evidence-based information so that you can navigate your choices with confidence.

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Melanie Shaul-Alban

Certified Birth Doula, Placenta Encapsulation Services

Precious Star Doula Services

Tricare

Apple Health

Private Pay

My journey into birth work started with my own teen birth experience, knowing in my heart there had to be better support out there for birthing individuals. I certified as a Doula in 2019 with a desire to explore midwifery and support others during life’s transformative moments. As a natural caregiver, I’ve found that doula work allows me to nurture others while pursuing my dream of making a positive impact on families’ lives and their birth journey. Having spent most of my life in Utah, I now call Spokane home, where I live with my husband, my three incredible children, and four amazing stepchildren, surrounded by our twelve precious grandchildren. When I’m not supporting families I dedicate my time to my own family, cherishing every moment, or  pursuing hobbies such as cooking and baking, or exploring new destinations around the world. My mission is to help you find confidence and joy in your transition to parenthood. I believe every family deserves a positive, informed birth, and I offer compassionate, evidence-based support, comfort techniques, and advocacy to help you achieve your unique goals, along with physical support during labor while advocating for the birthing person and their families.whether you’re planning a hospital, birth center, or home birth.  I’m thrilled to share my expertise with you and your family as you embark on this life-changing journey.

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Jessica Smith

IBCLC

Blomma Momma

Tricare

United Health Care

Anthem PPo

Humana PPO

Multiplan/Pnoa

VA CCN (optum East)

aetna

cigna

Private Pay

As a skilled lactation consultant, I walk alongside families as they navigate the tender, sometimes challenging journey of infant feeding. This can look like: easing latching struggles and nipple pain, supporting milk supply, or helping to integrate infant stretches to relieve tension and facilitate reflex development. I aim to create a warm, whole-person approach that invites families to feel seen, supported, and empowered-transforming feeding and postpartum into moments of healing, bonding, and joy. *If you have questions about pricing or whether insurance covers you, please reach out.

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Unsure?

It’s okay to not make a decision right now.

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Doula Interview Guide

Not sure what to ask? Here are the top questions we recommend for military families finding their perfect match.

  • Tricare Logistics Are you a TRICARE-certified provider, and do you handle the claims and authorization process for me?
  • Back-up Plan Who is your back-up doula within the collective, and will I have the chance to meet them?
  • Clinical Experience How many births have you attended at my specific hospital (e.g., MultiCare Deaconess or Kootenai Health)?
  • Scope of Care What is your philosophy on pain management support, whether I choose an unmedicated birth or an epidural?
  • Postpartum Support Does your package include a postpartum visit to assist with initial lactation and newborn adjustment?

Your Support Timeline

Positive Test: Contact the collective immediately to secure your dates and begin the interview process.

20 Weeks: Benefit intake and official enrollment. We begin deep birth planning and education sessions.

34-36 Weeks: Final prenatal prep, backup doula introductions, and comfort measure practice.

The Birth Event: Continuous in-person labor support at the hospital of your choice until your baby is born.

Postpartum & Lactation: In-home recovery visits and up to 6 clinical lactation consults to ensure feeding success.

Inland Northwest Hospitals

MultiCare Deaconess Hospital

Level 3 NICU

Birthwise Program

VBAC Friendly

Known for the Birthwise Program and a high success rate for VBAC. Deaconess offers a “middle ground” for families wanting low-intervention care with the security of a Level 3 NICU nearby.

MultiCare Valley Hospital

Level 1 NICU

LDRP Model

Offers spacious LDRP suites and whirlpool tubs. This hospital supports VBAC for low-risk candidates in a quieter, community-hospital setting.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center

Level 4 NICU

Midwifery Care

The region’s primary referral center for high-risk care. While they facilitate VBAC, they are often the primary choice for families requiring Level 4 NICU support or specialized maternal-fetal medicine. Offers Certified Nurse Midwifery.
* Note: Doula OR access is typically limited to one support person.

Providence Holy Family Hospital

Level 2 NICU

Family Maternity Center

The Family Maternity Center features extra-large birthing suites and massive in-room soaking tubs.

Kootenai Health (Coeur d’Alene)

Level 3 NICU

Baby-Friendly Designated

VBAC Friendly

The Kootenai Health Family Birth Center features advanced neonatal care and specializes in supporting physiological birth while maintaining a high level of medical security.

Hospital Bag Essentials

For You

  • Loose gown or robe
  • Adult Diapers
  • Basic Toiletries & hair ties
  • Nursing bras & tanks
  • Long phone charger
  • Going home outfit
  • Birth Plan

For Partner

  • Button-down shirt (for skin-to-skin)
  • Hoodie & comfortable shoes
  • Energy-dense snacks
  • Toiletry bag & pillow
  • Camera & Battery pack

For Baby

  • Installed car seat
  • 2-3 sleepers with mittens
  • Warm blanket (for travel)
  • Pediatrician’s info
  • Announcement props

Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel fees covered?

No. Tricare covers professional services but does not reimburse for travel or mileage. Speak with the doula as to whether or not your place of residence will incur out of pocket travel fees. Most places do not.

What if I have OHI?

Except for in the case of Medicaid, Tricare is secondary. We must bill your primary civilian insurance first, or get a letter of denial from Primary Insurance. It will be your responsibility to assist your doula in obtaining the correct documentation.

What happens if another client goes into labor at the same time or the doula has a family emergency?

The only fact about birth that is predictable is that it is unpredictable. This is why you will have not only a primary doula, but also a back up doula. In case of extenuating circumstances, your back up doula will step into the role of primary. This is an insurance policy that is rarely needed.

What is the doula’s role in a medical emergency?

While non-medical, we help you process information quickly and provide emotional grounding during high-stress clinical situations. If we are outside of the birth setting and your baby is making a quick entrance, we will call 911 and assist under the umbrella of the “Good Samaritan Act”. We are not responsible for anything medical or delivering your baby.

Will my doula take pictures/video?

YES! Most doulas take pictures and video according to hospital policies. This will happen with your own equipment except for in very special circumstances. These will not be professional grade, but will still be keepsakes for you and your family.

What if I book with a doula and then fail to call/follow through?

If you sign with a doula and decide to go a different route, please cancel your doula before the 35th week of pregnancy. If you cancel after this date, or do not call your doula when you are in labor, you will be responsible for a cancellation fee.