Doula Services in Hospital

Doula Services in a Hospital go beyond the physical presence on the day of delivery. There is a lot that goes into preparation for that day:

• preparation for what to expect at each stage;
• research to make informed choices in the level of care that is best for you;
• tips for comfort for a shorter birth;
• help to cope with the fourth trimester;
• support on each newborn phase such as baby sleep training.

In addition to that, doula support at the hospital can also include assistance with writing a birth plan and communicating with the hospital and health care team.

Communication is of great importance especially when there are barriers such as a language barrier. Recently, we had a situation of a couple with limited English, they relied on me as their doula to help facilitate communication with the hospital. An example of how a doula can do that is to simply write a letter to the hospital. Below is my letter to the hospital as an example.

A Letter to the Hospital From Your Doula

Jordan and Jamie are expecting their first baby, and due to Jordan’s age and the fact that she had positive blood work for Tripsomy 21, her doctor recommended she birth at your hospital specifically because of your level III NICU.  Her due date is October 29, and she is running out of time to make any changes.  She lives an hour ride to the hospital and an hour from those of us on her support team.

Unfortunately, birthing at your hospital, means she will be surrounded by hospital staff she doesn’t know and even the doctor who recommended your hospital would not be the doctor to assist in delivery.  Add this to the language barrier; Jamie doesn’t speak English, and the fact that almost 40% of women report a traumatic birth and knowing many women experience disrespectful and abusive treatment during childbirth in facilities worldwide they decided to assemble a support team that would be with them now, then through labor and childbirth.

Because of her high-risk status, her husband’s language barrier, the added stress and worry that they very well may have a special needs child, and the fact that the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, she and I are working hard to help ensure someone will be able to provide important emotional, physical and informational support needed to help reduce stress. This could lower the odds of an assisted or cesarean birth and increase the odds for a positive birth outcome and experience. We all know that stress can cause high blood pressure and increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia. Stalled labor and anxiety are also issues stress can create by inhibiting oxytocin and increasing cortisol.

Jamie not being included in the conversation and decision making, due to his language barrier is a significant source of stress for both of them. As studies show, despite the federal law requiring an interpreter for women giving birth (forget about asking for an interpreter for her partner), only 1 in 3 hospitals actually provide one.

Research shows that Jordan could benefit from the presence of a support person during labor and childbirth.  Supportive care during labor could enhance physiological labor processes, as well as her feelings of control and confidence in her own strength and ability to give birth. This could reduce the need for intervention and also improve her experience. Women who received continuous labor support may be more likely to give birth vaginally with neither vacuum nor forceps nor caesarean.

We are happy to adhere to any guidelines necessary, taking a Covid-19 test, providing proof of vaccination, or providing a negative Covid test in order to allow additional support in the room when Stacy is in active labor and birthing her baby boy.

I look forward to hearing from you or someone in leadership who has authority to make this decision based on the individual circumstance, of Stacy and Juan.  How can we eliminate any obstacles ahead of time, so that our team, can support Jordan and Jamie during this exciting and scary time.

Thank you,

Susan

Beyond education during pregnancy, and guidance during labor: a doula can help facilitate communication with the hospital and health care team.

Doulas Can Decrease Your Stress and Fear During Labor

The last thing a woman need during labor is added stress. Not being able to communicate desires and wishes due to complications, exhaustion, fear, or language barrier is definitely a stressor that can easily be prevented by having someone by your side that can advocate for you. This is a priority for my doula service at hospital, birthing center, or home birth Port St Lucie. If that is something you need help with, feel free to reach out!

The information contained on this site should not be construed as medical advice nor should it replace the advice and individual care of your health care provider.