The doulas are contracted by Healthy Start and work with a liaison employed by Indian River Hospital.Ī maternity navigator from Healthy Start meets with patients during a visit to their obstetrician and explains all the free programs offered by the organization to pregnant women and their families – including the G.R.O.W. Healthy Start goes into the local community and seeks out prospective doulas, who are then trained by a certified educator from DONA International. That constitutes 75% of Indian River Hospital’s expectant moms, says McFall. (guidance, resource, openhearted wisdom) doula program for first-time moms, patients of color or women with no support person at home. McFall and other leaders at Indian River Hospital agreed to collaborate with Healthy Start and implement the G.R.O.W. “Unfortunately, there are multiple individuals who come in on a yearly basis and deliver either alone or with a support person who is less than supportive,” says McFall. The young woman had delivered her baby the night before in the hospital, by herself, with no support person. The doula program at Indian River Hospital began in 2016, when the CEO of Indian River County Healthy Start approached McFall after visiting a 16-year-old new mom at home with a health educator. It provides emotional, physical and spiritual support from woman to woman,” says Hope Johnson, RNC, assistant nurse manager in labor and delivery at Indian River Hospital. “The doula program isn’t just support for the laboring mother. Fewer babies born with low birth weight (below 5 pounds, 8 ounces) – 2.7% of program participants compared to 9% statewideĮqually important, the program improves the patient experience.A reduction in preterm births – 3% of program participants deliver before 37 weeks gestation compared to 10.4% throughout Florida.The program has impacted outcomes at Indian River Hospital in several areas, including: “A doula is a non-medical support person that helps women during their pregnancies, through birth and during the postpartum period,” says Megan McFall, B.Ed., RN, who helped launch the program as director of women’s health at the hospital. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services Policy Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
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