Doulas

A doula is a non-medical support person who aids the pregnant mother and the birth team during labor and delivery. Hired by the patient, a doula is familiar with the patient’s birth plan and helps facilitate communication between the patient and the birth team.  

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s obstetrics team provides the full range of labor and delivery care. Some patients appreciate the additional physical and emotional support provided by a doula; however, a patient is never required to have a doula present during labor.   

Patients have reported the following benefits of having a doula:

Provides emotional support. During the intense labor and birth process, a doula can help with breathing exercises, mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques, which can provide invaluable encouragement.

Gives physical support. Doulas are trained to know body mechanics well and can suggest different movements and positions for labor and birth. They also can give back rubs and massages and show how to use non-medical tools such as birthing balls at different stages of labor. A doula can work with the patient care team to assist with requests for comfort items such as water and blankets.

Offers advocacy for the patient and the family. Doulas do not give medical advice, but one of their jobs is to encourage and assist with communication between the pregnant woman and clinical team. If plans change from a vaginal birth to a Cesarean birth, a doula may also be able to provide support during surgery as a familiar face in an unfamiliar environment.

Shares informational support. Doulas may be asked to explain what is happening or going to happen during the labor and birth experience. A doula can provide information about childbirth or help clarify information from the medical team.

May help reduce length of labor and increase satisfaction with childbirth. Research shows that support from a doula may shorten the length of labor, lower the risk of Cesarean birth and reduce the risk of forceps or vacuum-assisted birth. A doula can also increase maternal satisfaction with childbirth without posing any risk to the mother.

If you choose to hire your own certified private doula, that person will be required to take the Vanderbilt Doula Orientation and Training. This training allows the doula to participate in the birthing process. If you have not hired a doula, patients can request a volunteer doula on admission to the Vanderbilt Birth Center or to Vanderbilt University Hospital’s labor and delivery department. 

Volunteer doulas will not be able to meet with the volunteer on-call doula ahead of labor, and the doula may not be able to stay for the entire labor.

Doulas who provide services at VUMC are required to abide by applicable VUMC policies and requirements. However, doulas (including volunteer doulas) are not employees or agents of VUMC, and VUMC is not responsible for any acts or omissions of the doula, either before or during the birthing process.