Doula Service and COVID-19
26 Mar 2020 Leave a Comment
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During this period of COVID -19 uncertainty, labor support is as important as ever. With safety recommendations changing day by day, limiting the support options available for birthing people, your doula remains at the ready to provide continuous informational and emotional support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum weeks. Currently, we are prepared to support the CDC’s recommendations surrounding COVID -19 by transitioning temporarily to virtual prenatal and postpartum appointments, labor support, and childbirth education.
As of March 17, 2020, there can be no visitors in local hospital waiting rooms during labor and delivery and only one (1) person in the delivery room. There can be no switch off between support people for the duration of the hospital stay. Only the client is allowed in the examination room during a visit at the prenatal clinic.
As of March 23rd, all home visiting services in New Jersey are to be offered as virtual services only.
In response to these state guidelines, while continuing to prioritize the support of pregnant and postpartum persons and in upholding the CAPPA Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice, labor doula services will be offered as follows:
Birth services will continue to include three 1 1/2 hour visits prenatally to discuss birth options, comfort measures, and to create a personal birth plan. These visits can be conducted by Zoom or Skype, or by phone, and can include virtual companionship to cover specific questions during medical provider office visits.
Conversation by phone is available after every medical provider office visit to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Unlimited phone call, text, and email support is available throughout pregnancy and the first 6 weeks postpartum.
Continuous labor support will be offered any time day or night by Zoom or Skype throughout labor and delivery and the first hour postpartum to ensure informed decision making.
Two 1 hour postpartum virtual visits will be available anytime in the 6 weeks following delivery, with continued unlimited phone, text, and email support to address any questions or concerns about infant feeding, baby care, or self care.
All current doula clients will remain in service with no interruption, and we are currently receiving new clients at this time.
To best support the families and community in which we serve, your doula remains in communication with the New Jersey Department of Health and local hospitals and medical professionals to continue to provide the best possible support with consideration for current safety recommendations.
Availability for service is limited, so please call 856.419.3690 or email jodithedoula@gmail.com today to schedule your initial interview.
