Evidence shows us that  that families who have continuous support during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are at reduced risk for intervention, have better birth outcomes, and overall more positive birth experiences. According to research, "people who received continuous support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors were shorter by about 40 minutes and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth. There is a smaller amount of evidence that doula support in labor can lower postpartum depression in mothers." (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

Through the work of  continuous phyical, emotional, informatinal support, and advocacy throughout pregnancy and labor, we doulas not only influence birth outcome, but support the birthing team in whole.

Doulas are essential and key componants to a healthy in-hospital birthing environment.

In the state of this pandemic, hospitals and government administrators are considering Doulas, Partners, and Transporting Midwives as "visitors",  and limiting access to support. 

We Doulas are not visitors. We are an integral part of a birthing persons care team. We provide essential, evidence based care, that improves outcomes for all birthing people, their partners, and their babies.

In the midst of this pandemic, it is fact that both social distancing and quarantine are necessary tools to flatten the curve of exposure. However, denying birthing people and thier families access to advocacy and hands on support is not the answer. Birthing peole have needs that are not being met during this pandemic.  These restirictions will result in unneccessary trauma that will have long term public health consequences.

The CDC States "If restriction of all visitors is implemented, facilities can consider exceptions based on end-of-life situations or when a visitor is essential for the patient’s emotional well-being and care." [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?fbclid=IwAR0ZIHF8h6UUYoBvhs66cPcd6UxDs82GeBuD041kI4J_XoEdA_LmRkdBuJE

The Association of Women's Health Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses states "AWHONN supports doulas as partners in care and acknowledges their ability to provide physical, emotional, and partner support to women. AWHONN opposes hospital policies that restrict the presence of a doula in the inpatient setting during an infectious disease outbreak." [https://awhonn.org/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

We propose doulas be considered "Essential Personnel" and are screened similarly to all other medical staff. We offer to temporarily contract with hospitals for a badge that will allow access to our clients. 

Help protect our clients. Allow them access to the professional care that they have invested in by providing a letter of support for professional doulas with confirmed contracts. 

Thank You.