DES MOINES, Iowa — MercyOne says they are the first and only hospital in Iowa to offer a volunteer birth doula program.
This year will be their 12th year of offering the service, and in celebration of World Doula Week, they shared with Local 5 how the program helps central Iowa families have a smooth birthing experience without breaking the bank.
Jenn Halligan is the manager of doula services at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. She explained that the job of a doula is not to replace a labor partner or a medical provider, but instead be there as a sort-of tour guide for the birthing process.
"We've been there, we've done that, we have a lot of different tricks as far as comfort measures to help not only mom but partner," Halligan said.
MercyOne's exclusive volunteer birth doula program offers a 24-hour on-call doula for families on a first-come, first-serve basis. This service is offered for everyone in Des Moines, not just those planning to give birth in a MercyOne hospital.
"These women have taken a doula workshop course. So, they know the hands-on skills and the content that they need to be a doula," Halligan added. "They pick what time works best for them every month, and then they're on call and when a family needs us, then the nurse will call and we come in and help serve."
Ann Hines is one of the doulas answering those calls after being a labor and delivery nurse for 20 years. The MercyOne doula program is a volunteer opportunity she's passionate about.
"I've had 101 babies as a doula which fills my bucket, it just does. I know that this is where I'm supposed to be," Hines said.
Not only does she make you feel like family during the birthing process, but she herself also swears to reduce the time you spend in labor.
"I always say I can take at least two hours off your labor, if you listen to what I say. We'll do it together, so it and it works. It works really well," Hines told Local 5.
Part of a doula's job like Hines is to help break down the medical process of labor, as some of the jargon could be hard to follow for new mothers.
"Medical terminology is a pain, people don't understand it. So, part of the doula's process is explaining to them what the doctor said, to relieve their fear, because it doesn't need to be fearful if they understand."
MercyOne said they are always looking to grow their volunteer team. Click here to learn more or get involved.