Doula Support and COVID-19
Amid the recent Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there is a lot of uncertainty, challenges, questions, and concerns surrounding birthing families. First and foremost, I take my clients’ and their families’ health and well-being very seriously and it is my main priority. While it is appreciated that the local providers and hospitals are taking the necessary steps to control the virus, there is a lot of concern that laboring people are being limited in their support. Studies repeatedly show the value of a doula during childbirth and that doulas are vital to healthy birth experiences.
Some of the questions I have recently been asked are:
“Will you be able to support me during my birth?”
“Are you still allowed to be with me at the hospital?”
“Are you considered a visitor or part of my medical care team?”
“What if I want my partner/sister/mother/friend present in addition to you present?”
These are all very pertinent and understandable concerns at this time. Please know that I am actively gathering information to have the most up-to-date provider and hospital protocols and procedures as it pertains to having doula support. I encourage you to take this time to advocate for yourself and contact your providers and hospital administrators to voice any concerns about potential changes in your birth care expectations. It is your right to decide who attends your birth, as well as your federal right to have support.
Fortunately, doulas have the support of the The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) and The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), both citing that doulas are an important part of the care team. Further, AWHONN issued a public statement in support of doulas at the bedside in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement reads: “Doulas are not visitors and should not be blocked from caring for patients in the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period. Most doulas have been contracted by patients weeks to months ahead of time and have established provider relationships. They are recognized by AWHONN and ACOG as essential personnel and part of the maternity care team.”
For clients with soon approaching due dates, please check regularly with your provider on their labor support guidelines. If you are birthing at a location where in-person professional doula support is currently not permitted, I will continue to be on-call for you, offer an abundance of in-home support during early and active labor, guide your support person with tips and advice for further supporting you while you’re at the hospital, and be available virtually while you are birthing. Immediate postpartum support will be available.
For those that are thinking of hiring a doula and are uncertain due to potential provider and/or hospital restrictions, A Labor in Love Doula Services now offers virtual doula support. Virtual doula services are a wonderful and convenient option to receive the information, knowledge, and support of a doula when a more intimate delivery is desired or necessary. The education a birthing person possesses prenatally has a huge influence on their birthing experience. Regardless of the circumstance, I am here to help support, encourage, and guide you during pregnancy, labor, birth, and in your postpartum period.
I have always and will continue to respect and be conscious of the CDC’s infection control precautions. In my role as a doula, I support some of the most health-vulnerable populations, babies and pregnant people, daily. I have knowledge of sanitation protocols and would never compromise the safety of my clients or community.