Birth 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.
What A Birth Doula Does
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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Explaining your options for labor and birth and answering your questions
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Helping you get ready for birth and parenting, both emotionally and physically
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Teaching ways to feel more comfortable during labor
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Talking about what you will need after your baby is born and making a plan to get that support
During Labor & Birth
Call your doula when your labor starts! Your doula will come to the hospital and stay with you until your baby is born. When your doula arrives, she will help you feel calm and supported by:
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Giving emotional support and encouragement
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Helping with comfort techniques like massage
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Suggesting positions that can make labor easier
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Teaching your family ways to help you feel comfortable
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Sharing information and helping you ask questions or tell hospital staff what you need
After Baby Arrives
Welcome home! After your baby is born, your doula will check in with you in person or virtually to answer questions and make sure you are doing well. Your doula can help by:
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Talking about your birth experience and helping you adjust to life with a new baby
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Helping with small tasks like folding baby clothes, light cleaning, or filling in while you rest
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Supporting your emotional and mental wellbeing
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Helping with breastfeeding and feeding your baby
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.