We at KC Women's Ministry understand that today's health and government climates are ever-changing and difficult to maneuver. Unexpected changes have our communities on the edge and our hospitals and leaders working hard to stay ahead of the pandemic.   

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic hospital and health facility restrictions are continually tightening, which has led to an unforeseen gap in women's healthcare. As a response to the virus, major hospitals are limiting the number of support persons laboring mothers can request to attend their birth, allowing them only one partner for the duration. This forces the mother to choose between her birth partner and her doula, many of whom are hired weeks or months in advance. These doulas have an established relationship with the patient and are the only consistent professional the birthing person will experience. Our doulas are very aware of the impact of additional visitors and the importance of doing our part to flatten the curve. We have taken additional steps to ensure that we do not spread the virus and we are willing to follow all hospital policies as they apply to staff and visitors. The CDC has stated, "If restrictions of visitors is implemented, facilities can consider exceptions based on end-of-life situations or when a visitor is essential for the patient's well-being and care."

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?fbclid=IwAR0ZIHF8h6UUYoBvhs66cPcd6UxDs82GeBuD041kI4J_XoEdA_LmRkdBuJE

Doulas provide invaluable care to families during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods. Doulas are consistently available to the family as continuous knowledgable and experienced support during one of the most impactful and life-changing events they will experience. Studies have shown that doula assistance can have direct and long-lasting implications for the birthing person including 

*a 39% decrease in the rate of cesarean sections

*a 15% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal births.

*a 31% decrease in risks of being dissatisfied with the birth

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

Due to Covid-19, doctor's and nurses are overwhelmed and overworked. A doula's support in the labor and delivery room allows the family consistent care and takes the pressure off of the nursing team. The birthing person is more likely to experience a positive birth and immediate post-partum in a safe and secure atmosphere. By decreasing the likelihood of a cesarean section, doulas allow the hospital staff to focus on more urgent cases, rather than requiring additional team members during a c-section (3 to 4 times the staff required for a vaginal birth).  

Doula support is recognized as essential by ACOG and AWHONN (The Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses). Both organizations recognize that doulas are an essential part of the labor and delivery medical team.

  “Doulas are not visitors and should not be blocked from caring for patients in the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum period. Most doulas have been contracted by patients weeks to months ahead of time and have established provider relationships. They are recognized by AWHONN and ACOG as essential personnel and part of the maternity care team,” said AWHONN member Nancy Travis, MS, BSN, RN, BC, CPN, CBC, Florida Section Chair.

During such an uncertain time, we are seeking to mitigate the stress impacting new families in the areas we serve. Doulas are an important part of the birth team and play an unmeasurable part in making sure the new family experiences a safe and positive birth experience. Our roll allows doctors and nurses to concentrate their efforts where they are most needed, provides security for the new family, and ensures that needs are met in a timely and efficient manner to the best of their ability. 

We ask that professional doulas be considered statewide as essential and indisposable parts of the birth team in all hospitals. Will you join with other states like New York, New Jersey, and Michigan in making the health, emotional well-being, and security of those giving birth a priority.