I am a local mom desperately seeking to change the current policy in place at Jim Pattison Children's Hospital (JPCH) that allows only 1 support person in the OR during a c-section birth. 

The current policy prevents birthing people from having their partner AND a certified birth worker like a doula attend their c-section birth with them. 

Doulas are allied healthcare professionals. Ample research shows that doula support improves birth outcomes, increases patient satisfaction, and reduces disparities in health outcomes.

Doulas should be recognized as a critical component in maternal health for all pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals. Cesarean birth is no exception. For so many people, doulas are a lifeline in the birthing process. Prohibiting them from entering the operating room with their clients is a misstep. 

A blanket prohibition against a second support person is doing no one any favours. JPCH can and should come up with alternatives to this. For example, an orientation on OR safety and regulations for birth workers to undergo to allow them to enter the OR. This used to occur in Regina and is a great solution. 

In the past, JPCH has allowed doulas to attend c-sections. Let's work together to get back to that place!