Doula Information
Doulas for Labor and Birth Support
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and The Women's Hospital support the use of certified doulas and recognize doulas as part of the healthcare team. Therefore, the hospital has a responsibility to ensure safety for all doulas, patients and staff by meeting criteria of all other healthcare team members.
Before a doula is allowed to accompany a patient, The Women's Hospital requires:
- Proof of completion of a labor doula certification program that is recognized by TWH. These include DONA, Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), Childbirth International (CBI), Birthways International, Birth Arts International, and International Childbirth Education Association (CEA). Other doula certification programs might be considered, but will require curriculum details to be provided for review.
- Proof of immunizations required by The Women's Hospital. Immunizations are at the doula's expense.
- Completion of the forms packet provided by Deaconess Human Resources Department.
Instructions for doulas attending labor/delivery:
- When you arrive at The Women's Hospital with a patient, Security will issue you a badge. This should be worn while in the building and returned to Security when you exit the building.
- A doula's role is to support the patient during labor and delivery and in the immediate postpartum period. Providing medical care to patients at The Women's Hospital is limited to members of the medical team with approved privileges and hospital employees in specific clinical roles.
- Required personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn as appropriate based on patient condition and current hospital guidelines and policies.
If you are a patient who will deliver at The Women's Hospital and plan
to have a doula accompany you for labor and birth, your doula MUST contact The Women's Hospital Human Resources (HR) Department
at 812-450-0858 to complete this process.
Once all information is submitted, HR and Employee Health will review documents
and contact your doula with the decision.