Doula Services
Thanks to generous funding, we are able to provide free and reduced-cost services to families who could not afford the out-of-pocket expense of hiring a birth doula. We use Medicaid eligibility as a guideline for determining who qualifies for doula services. Medicaid itself does not cover the service.
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BirthWell Partners is Growing!
We primarily serve the Greater Birmingham Area, but can now serve people giving birth in Tuscaloosa, Jasper, Anniston, Montgomery, Huntsville or Florence area hospitals.
All services are subject to funding and doula availability.
How A Doula Supports You
During pregnancy
A doula will meet with you before your baby is born so you can get to know each other. Your doula can help you prepare for birth and parenting by:
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Researching your birth options and answering questions about labor, birth, and care
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Preparing you emotionally, mentally, and physically for birth and parenting
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Teaching comfort techniques for labor
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Discuss postpartum needs and helping create a care plan.
During labor & birth
Call your doula when you start your labor! Your doula will meet you and stay with you until your baby is born. When your doula gets to the hospital, she will help you feel safe and relaxed by:
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Providing emotional support
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Giving hands-on support (massage)
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Suggesting positions
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Showing your family comfort techniques they can do
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Offer information and assist you in voicing your needs or asking questions of hospital staff
After the baby is born, your doula will stay with you until you and baby are settled in. The doula will help you get breast/chestfeeding off to a great start!
After baby arrives
Welcome home! Once you are home, your doula will connect with you either in person or virtually, to answer any questions, help with nursing, and make sure you are doing well! They can help:
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Debrief your birth experience and support you in this huge life transition
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Provide physical support by folding clothes, doing light cleaning, and filling in while you rest
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Support emotional and mental wellbeing
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Provide support in breastfeeding
Benefits of Doula Support
Doulas change the birth environment by providing continous, compassionate support focused on the birthing person. A doula's presence can have a lasting positive impact.
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Improved birth outcomes
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Provides education and support for your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum needs
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Reduced need for interventions
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Less likelihood of C-Section
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More positive birth experience
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Better bonding with your baby
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Greater likelihood of meeting your breast/chestfeeding goals
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Increased self-confidence in parenting
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Lower risk of postpartum depression & anxiety
Key Things To Consider
Timing of Contact
If possible, please try to contact us at least 2-3 months before your due date. This gives us plenty of time to set up the best match between you and your doula. However, we try to accommodate anyone we can at any point in their pregnancy.
Your Commitment
To fully benefit from doula support, it requires your commitment as well. This includes communicating and being responsive to your doula, letting them know when you have appointments, when labor begins, or if your needs change along the way. If you decide you no longer want our services, please communicate with your doula or staff
Labor Room Limits
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Hospitals often limit how many support people can be in the room. Be sure to count your doula in that number. You will need help at the hospital AFTER you give birth and the doula has gone home. This is when it’s great to have your family members and friends available to bring you food, watch the baby while you shower or sleep, and visit with you.