This summary outlines the role of doulas in supporting patients during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period at Atlantic Health System facilities.
Patients can choose to have a doula as part of their support team. Doulas are trained professionals who provide non-medical emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the entire childbirth experience.
DOULAS CAN:
- Offer comfort measures like massage and relaxation techniques.
- Provide evidence-based information about birth.
- Support the patient and their partner in making informed decisions.
- Promote early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact after birth.
- Doulas are not to perform any medical tasks or provide medical advice. They will follow the guidance of health care professionals during emergencies.
ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM:
- Requires doulas to be certified and provide proof.
- Is not responsible for the actions of the doula.
- Designates a liaison in each maternity center for doula communication.
FOR PATIENTS:
- Contact your chosen doula to arrange services and notify them of your labor.
- The doula will provide their certification to the hospital department.
- This policy ensures a collaborative environment where doulas can provide valuable support to patients while respecting the expertise of health care professionals.
- The complete doula policy is available to health care providers providing maternity service at Atlantic Health System, all maternity patients, as well as any other person requested by the patient.