In case you missed it, Tricare has started covering the costs of Birth Doulas for Tricare beneficiaries. This is a hug step in the right direction to better support our military families! As soon as I learned about this their Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration initiative, I knew I needed to become certified so I could provide services to military families without any out of pocket costs.

As an Air Force spouse myself, I know the many challenges that face military families as they start and expand their families. We often lack proximity and support from extended family and face demanding schedules (shift work) as well as TDYs and deployments. If anyone NEEDS the support of a doula, it’s the military population.

As an in-network Certified Labor Doula, the process is super simple on the beneficiary side. If you have Tricare Select or Prime (and are a dependent) you are eligible and don’t need a referral. If you are active duty and planning to deliver at Fort Carson, unfortunately, doula services are not yet covered for this population during the current demonstration period. If you are active duty and able to get a referral off base to a local hospital, Beginnings Birth Center or to have a homebirth with Mountain Miracles Midwifery (the only group that accepts Tricare) you would then be eligible to receive coverage for doula services but would need a referral in place.

It is an honor to serve fellow military families and look forward to serving many more in the future. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out here.