FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Doula? What is a labor support volunteer?

According to DONA International, a doula is "a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible" (https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/).

At Emory Decatur Hospital, our labor support volunteers function in a role similar to that of a doula.  Since our volunteers meet the people they support while in the labor and delivery unit, our focus is on providing support during labor and birth. 

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What qualifications do your volunteers hold?

Labor support volunteers attend a private training conducted through the EDLSV program in collaboration with community professionals. Most of our volunteers are not DONA or CAPPA certified.

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What can a Labor support volunteer do?

Labor support volunteers provide non-medical support during the labor and birth progress. For example, non-medical pain relief can include massage, essential oils, position changes, and breathing techniques.  Volunteers can also provide emotional support and facilitate communication between the patient and medical staff.