Staff in scrubs gives a back massage to a patient.

Doula Services

Doula Services at UVM Health

In addition to your medical providers, you may want to include a doula as part of your childbirth team. A doula is a labor support professional who has special training to assist you during labor and delivery. They also provide a range of services to help you and your family during and after pregnancy. Studies show that doula support helps patients have healthier and more satisfying birth experiences.

University of Vermont Health welcomes doulas as care partners. We coordinate with them so you can focus on yourself and your baby.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As a leading pregnancy and childbirth program in the region, we offer:

Tailored birth experience: We personalize your care to help you have the birth experience you want. We allow up to three support people (including a doula) at your bedside at a time to assist you during labor and delivery.
Compassionate support: Pregnancy and childbirth can cause a wide range of emotions. Our caring team works with you and your doula to help you manage stress and cope with any challenges that arise during labor and delivery.
Inclusive care: Our team recognizes each person’s approach to pregnancy and childbirth. We respect your choices and welcome patients of all races, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.

Doula Services

Doulas provide physical, social and emotional support for you and your family during labor and delivery. They encourage you, advocate for you and help you advocate for yourself. Doula services typically include:

Assistance with breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Comfort measures such as back rubs, counter pressure, physical support, essential oils and hydrotherapy
Help finding positions during labor to reduce discomfort and expedite the labor process
Community resources and referrals
Support for partners, friends and family

Research shows that the continuous support doulas provide during childbirth helps patients have healthier and more satisfying birth experiences.

Some doulas provide more than just labor and delivery support. They may work with you to create a birth plan, assist with postpartum care, or help find transportation, housing and other services.

Requesting Doula Services

All of our labor and delivery units welcome and support the use of doulas. Depending on the hospital, we may be able to provide or help you find a doula. Talk to your obstetric provider about services available to you.

If you are coming to University of Vermont Medical Center for labor and delivery, you have the option of having one of our volunteer doulas at your side during delivery. This service is free of charge and available 24/7.

Awards & Certifications

Newsweek: America's Best Maternity Hospitals

Newsweek has included UVM Health's anchor academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center that serves the region on its ranking of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals after assessing the quality of perinatal care, operative obstetrics, patient education and counseling, accommodation and service, and nurse and midwife staffing.