This summary outlines the role of doulas in supporting patients during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period at CentraState Healthcare System. Doulas are trained professionals who provide non-medical emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the entire childbirth experience.
DOULAS CAN:
- Offer comfort measures like massage and relaxation techniques.
- Provide evidence-based information about birth.
- Support the patient and their partner in making informed decisions.
- Promote early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact after birth.
- Doulas are not to perform any medical tasks or provide medical advice. They will follow the guidance of healthcare professionals during emergencies.
CENTRASTATE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM:
- Requires doulas to be certified and provide proof.
- Is not responsible for the actions of the doula.
- Designates a liaison in each maternity center for doula communication.
FOR PATIENTS:
- Contact your chosen doula to arrange services and notify them of your labor.
- The doula will provide their certification to the hospital department.
- This policy ensures a collaborative environment where doulas can provide valuable support to patients while respecting the expertise of healthcare professionals.
- The complete doula policy is available to healthcare providers providing maternity service at CentraState Healthcare System, all maternity patients, as well as any other person requested by the patient. Please call 732-294-2707 to request the complete policy.