Doulas provide essential, continuous care and the most evidence-based guidance to laboring and birthing clients. They have been hired by families in pregnancy to be a bridge connecting medical providers, who ensure their health and safety, and the loved ones, who are focused on the familial bond. This is personal support that can not be replaced.

We ask that they are fully supported during this unprecedented time of uncertainty and heightened stress. Bringing a child into this world during a pandemic is not something any birthing person should have to encounter; however, it is in times such as these that we should look to the evidence and deeply consider current policies that may cause further unnecessary physical and emotional harm and long lasting trauma. 

According to leading women’s health and birthing organizations such as the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), doulas should not be considered visitors in the hospital setting, rather they are a critical member of the health care team during pregnancy, birth, and recovery. There is undeniable evidence that these healthcare team members are integral to a patient’s pain management and emotional support during the childbearing process. We assert that both the physical and psychological risks of limiting continuous labor support are greater than infection control risks related to including the small number of doulas attending births in Niagara under general visitor restrictions. 

We respectfully ask that health services in the Niagara Region re-evaluate and revise the current visitor policies surrounding doulas to include the latest, evidence-based guidance provided. This includes the CDC guidelines for in-patient care which states "Visitors should be limited to those essential for the pregnant woman’s well-being and care (emotional support persons)." 

Doulas are NOT visitors and should be allowed access to hospitals to support growing Niagara families in this exceptional time.