{"id":7043,"date":"2020-05-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prd-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=7043"},"modified":"2023-06-26T21:51:19","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T21:51:19","slug":"family-birth-centers-embrace-doulas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/family-birth-centers-embrace-doulas\/","title":{"rendered":"MultiCare, Spokane Professional Doula Association Q&A","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

By Jean-Paul Arnaud-Marquez<\/strong><\/p>\n

The role doulas play in a mother\u2019s birth experience is one that can be misunderstood. To help bring a bit of clarity, we took it upon ourselves to interview some of MultiCare\u2019s Family Birth Center staff at MultiCare Deaconess Hospital<\/a> and MultiCare Valley Hospital<\/a> to better understand their role and uncover more about the relationship between MultiCare and the Spokane Professional Doula Association (SPDA).<\/a><\/p>\n

Zibby Merritt, MSN, Perinatal Nurse Educator:<\/p>\n

What is the relationship between MultiCare and SPDA?<\/p>\n

MultiCare partnered with SPDA very early on in their organization\u2019s foundation. In the beginning, MultiCare was \u201cknown\u201d for welcoming doulas. We value the SPDA doulas so much because they collaborate with our care processes and we work together as a team. They help facilitate the hands-on care we all aim to provide each patient. SPDA has also hosted classes for our staff on how to facilitate natural birth methods, positioning and pain relief. We really appreciate what they do.<\/p>\n

What makes their services special and why do you think they\u2019re valuable?<\/p>\n

\u201cMothering the mother\u201d is an essential doula concept. It means that the doula\u2019s sole purpose is to care for the mom. She advocates for her birth wishes and sees to the mother\u2019s comfort, whether it be through natural means or medication. Our nurses are responsible for the care of both the mom and fetus, while doulas can make the mom their sole focus. Although we often fulfill the role of a doula by providing labor support, our nurses may have other patients, might be needed to help in other emergency situations, or may have legal charting obligations. That\u2019s what makes doulas valuable; they collaborate with our team to offer more holistic care.<\/p>\n

Jackie Bartosh, RN, Labor & Delivery Manager:<\/p>\n

From a leadership perspective, what makes MultiCare\u2019s partnership with SPDA a valuable tool to be able to offer our birthing mothers\/families? \u200b<\/p>\n

A doula is way more than a tool – they are a partner in the birthing process. They have such a unique perspective because they have developed a much deeper relationship with the patient and their support person during the pregnancy. They know what fears the patient has, how they cope in times of stress and what\u2019s the most important aspect of the patient\u2019s birth experience. They use this knowledge to collaborate with the hospital staff while the patient is in our care. Their support is critical to the patient\u2019s emotional response to labor and helps the nursing staff to connect with the patient on a deeper level. Having a doula present also helps the nursing staff to focus on the medical aspect of care with the confidence that the patient has an emotional support person solely focused on them.<\/p>\n

What can you say is the biggest impact they have on our families? \u200b<\/p>\n

The doula acts as an advocate for the family. They have a keen perspective on the family environment that the newborn will be going home to and the support system the mom has postpartum. This is an incredible resource for these new moms!<\/p>\n

Nicole Hamblet, RN, Labor & Delivery Nurse:<\/p>\n

As an RN, do you appreciate having a doula around? If so, why?<\/p>\n

I love having doulas around! I see them as an integral component of any birth team. For first time parents, they\u2019re great at helping guide what questions to ask and what to expect. Since they\u2019re familiar to the expectant family they already have a great rapport with them in the event labor deviates from their birth plan. I also love learning new support methods, massage\/counter pressure or verbal encouragement statements from doulas.<\/p>\n

Angie Tollefson, RN, Lactation Nurse:<\/p>\n

Are doulas helpful in other ways?<\/p>\n

From a lactation perspective they are very helpful with getting baby skin-to-skin with momma, getting baby latched for those very first feeds, encouraging her and getting breastfeeding started off on the right foot. Plus, having the new mom already familiar and comfortable with the person who will be touching her adds another level of confidence. Additionally, once the mom and baby are discharged from the hospital, doulas provide additional follow-up to make sure feedings are going well and they offer them continued support and encouragement.<\/p>\n

Melanie Floerchinger, SPDA Founder:<\/p>\n

How do you feel about the relationship between MultiCare and Spokane Doulas?<\/p>\n

SPDA has a wonderful working relationship with MultiCare. MultiCare nurses and providers have always acknowledged the beneficial role that doulas provide to laboring women and their families and have worked collaboratively with doulas in providing exceptional care to patients and families.<\/p>\n

How much do doulas cost patients on a regular basis? Can it be covered by insurance?<\/p>\n

Birth doulas\u2019 fees range depending on certification status and experience from $600-$1,200. Postpartum doulas\u2019 fees also vary from an hourly rate of $15-$25 per hour, overnight rates to package rates. Bereavement doulas\u2019 fees vary from hourly to package rates.<\/p>\n

Currently, most insurances do not cover doula services, but some are beginning to. Many HSA\u2019s will cover doula services.<\/p>\n

Is having a doula worth it?<\/p>\n

Having a doula on your birth\/postpartum team is added support for families. Doulas provide non-medical care to families during their childbearing years focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional needs of a family. Doulas are essential helping fill the gaps of care in these areas for birthing people and their families while helping to ensure a safer and better birth experience.<\/p>\n