Answers to common questions about postpartum care, doulas, pelvic floor therapy, lactation, and maternal mental health in the Tri-Cities.
Doulas, Insurance & Cost
Yes! We have postpartum doulas in our Tri-Cities network that accept Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), making in-home postpartum and newborn support accessible to more families. You can browse our doula providers here.
Doula costs vary by provider and the package you choose. The good news: as of January 1, 2025, Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) covers doula services — including care during pregnancy, birth, and up to 12 months postpartum. If you have Apple Health, your doula services may be fully covered when you work with a doula enrolled with the Health Care Authority. Ask any doula in our network whether they accept Apple Health, and they'll walk you through your options.
A postpartum doula provides practical and emotional support in the weeks after birth — newborn care and soothing, infant feeding guidance, help establishing routines, light support around the home, and overnight care so parents can rest. Postpartum doulas aren't only for difficult situations; they benefit first-time parents, experienced parents, families with multiples, and anyone recovering from a hard birth.
Pelvic Health & Physical Recovery
Our certified pelvic floor physical therapists offer individualized physical therapy for issues such as urinary and fecal incontinence, organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and painful intercourse. They also offer core rehabilitation including diastasis recti repair and recovery, as well as C-section scar rehab and recovery! Meet our pelvic health providers here.
Sooner than many people expect. While internal pelvic floor assessment often begins around 6 weeks postpartum, a pelvic floor physical therapist can see you as early as 2 to 3 weeks after delivery — especially if you're dealing with leaking, significant diastasis recti, or pelvic pain. Even early on, there's a lot a therapist can do to support your recovery. You don't need to wait until something feels "bad enough."
Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that's very common after pregnancy. A common sign is a bulge or "doming" down the center of your belly when you sit up or strain. Many cases improve in the first weeks and months, but a meaningful number of people still have a gap months later. A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess the separation and guide you through safe, progressive core rehabilitation — important before returning to running, lifting, or high-impact exercise.
Lactation & Feeding
Yes! Our lactation consultants assist with latching when a baby might have a tongue tie. This is a non-invasive, non-surgical approach to a more comfortable breastfeeding experience. Find lactation support here.
Often, yes. Most private insurance plans are required to cover breastfeeding support and counseling, and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) also covers lactation support. Coverage details vary by plan, so it's always worth asking your lactation provider and your insurer what applies to you. Our lactation specialists can help you understand your options.
Maternal Mental Health
No. The "baby blues" are common in the first couple of weeks after birth and usually lift on their own. Postpartum depression is more intense, lasts longer, and can interfere with daily life. Seeing a postpartum therapist in the Tri-Cities can help you determine the difference and support you no matter what you are dealing with! Explore our maternal mental health providers here.
Signs can include persistent sadness or emptiness, intense anxiety or worry, irritability or anger, trouble bonding with your baby, changes in sleep or appetite beyond newborn life, feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, or frightening intrusive thoughts. These feelings are common and treatable — they are not a sign of failure or weakness. If symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, reach out to a maternal mental health specialist. Partners can experience perinatal mood changes too.
Free, confidential support is available right now: • Perinatal Support Washington Warm Line: call or text 1-888-404-7763 (answered live Mon–Fri) • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:1-833-852-6262, available 24/7 • If you are in crisis, call or text 988 anytime.
Our network also includes maternal mental health specialists you can connect with directly.
Getting Connected
No. You do not need a referral to reach out to a provider in our network. Families can contact providers directly through our site, and healthcare providers are also welcome to send a referral. We serve Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and the surrounding Tri-Cities communities, with in-person and telehealth options.
Still have questions?
Reach out directly or send a referral — providers and self-referrals are always welcome.