Recognizing World Doula Week and Efforts To Advance Doula Integration in Hospital Settings To Improve Maternal Health

World Doula Week is an opportunity to celebrate and thank doulas — trained professionals who work hand-in-hand with healthcare teams to provide birthing and postpartum individuals and their families with invaluable physical, emotional, and educational support.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems recognize the importance of doula integration in hospital settings to foster positive birthing experiences for all.  The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) is currently working to promote collaboration in the provider-doula relationship before, during, and after labor and delivery events in hospital settings.  

Through a partnership with the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF), funded by FCCF’s Fund For Women and Girls’ Black Maternal Health Initiative, hospitals are building a community of practice and developing a doula-provider facilitated grand rounds training.

This work to make hospitals more doula-friendly marks another step in continuous statewide efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes and advance health equity.  Through CHA, hospitals and health systems have adopted a four-part strategy to guide their collective work and advocacy, informed by comprehensive federal and state-level reports on maternal health.  Doula integration in hospital settings advances the goal of ensuring birthing persons are heard and are decision-makers in their care.

Click here to learn more about the CHA Statewide Strategy To Improve Maternal Health.