Doula Support
A doula is a trained professional who provides non-clinical support during pregnancy, labor & delivery, and postpartum. Doulas are available for informational, emotional, and educational support prenatally through three months postpartum.
What to Expect from a Doula?
Your doula can support you by:
- Visiting with you in-person, at your home or in the community (like the park or library), or virtually by video call.
- Connecting with you between visits by text, phone or email when you have questions or need additional support.
- Attending your labor and delivery, if you choose, to remind you of comfort measures, support you with your birth preferences, and help you adjust your birth plan as needed.
- Providing you with resources like educational information, planning tools, and community services that support your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
- Information and support breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery
If you are interested in support from a Doula, talk to your provider for suggestions on local doulas in your community.
Qualifying for Free Doula Support
SSM Health Women’s Health Services at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis and SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis are partnering with On Up to provide obstetrical patients with doula support. Through a grant funded by The City of St. Louis’ Department of Public Health, the Women’s Health centers at both hospitals offer expecting patients with a trained doula to support them throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care.
The partnership between SSM Health and On Up provides qualifying expecting patients with doulas who serve as birthing support partners and advocates for the patient’s health and wellness needs. Serving as a resource to guide and support patients through their birthing journeys, the doulas provide additional physical and emotional support system at no additional cost to the patient. This program was inaugurated to support patients with outlying factors that contribute to high-risk pregnancies.
For more information about qualifying for our grant doula program, inquire at your next OBGYN appointment at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis or SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis. If you do not qualify for the grant program, you can also choose to work with our SSM Health recommended doulas directly.
Pregnancy Handbook
Answers to some of the biggest questions about your pregnancy journey.