Dear Colleagues,

We are the TLC Doula Group- a group of experienced and qualified doulas who have been working within your hospital for over a decade. Today, we are reaching out to offer support as you draft your plans in preparation for and management of the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Ramifications of this virus for your hospital, your obstetrical clients, their families and staff are potentially enormous. We are aware that the recommendations for care are constantly evolving and that you are facing rising levels of infection,scarcity of materials, and reduced opportunities to see your patients; and in consideration of patient care-we want to help.

The TLC Doula Group is familiar with childbirth protocols and procedures at your hospital and we pride ourselves on the strong working relationships we have developed with nurses, doctors, midwives and medical staff over the years. As skilled support professionals, we establish important connections with families through pregnancy and help them in their transition to the hospital for delivery. Our specialized support during the birth process helps to facilitate successful birth experiences for clients and enhances the wonderful support they receive from nurses and medical practitioners.

“Obstetrician–gynecologists, in collaboration with midwives, nurses, patients, and those who support them in labor, can help women meet their goals for labor and birth by using techniques that require minimal interventions and have high rates of patient satisfaction…Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel,such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor. Benefits described in randomized trials include shortened labor, decreased need for analgesia, fewer operative deliveries, and fewer reports of dissatisfaction with the experience of labor.” (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dec 2018)

INCREASED NEED FOR DOULAS IN CURRENT CLIMATE OF COVID-19

Doula attendance in delivery:

• • decreases use of scarce materials(gloves, masks, blankets, towels, fluids, temp sticks);
• • shortens patient stays on LD floor before delivery;
• • minimizes intervention rate for critical care due to shorter labor(hemorrhage, anesthesia, IV fluids);
• • provides you with a valuable resource during these stressful times-skilled, familiar doula personnel who have worked with your hospital for 10+ years and are familiar with your nursing and obstetrical staff, policies, procedures and safety measures.

This is a time for us all to come together and offer what we do best. TLC Doula Group is committed to supporting our clients best by preparing and being present for the women we serve on their labor days while helping the nurses and practitioners who work tirelessly to serve them. In collaboration with hospital staff and public policies, it’s more important than ever for us to give families the safety and security they need to bring their little ones into the world.

Sincerely,
TLC Doula Group:
Kathleen Wilson, CD, CBE; Amanda Moore, CD, CE, GCE; Dorin Jordan, AAHCC, CBC; Jessica Gonzales, LD, CBE; Rowan Twosisters, CPM, LM, LMT; Joli Ammons, LD, CBE; Rachel Stonebrook, MA, LD, CBE