Delmarva doulas are advocating for a return to the delivery room

DELMARVA – It’s been an entire year since doulas stepped foot in a delivery room. They say it was understandable at first, but now they have concerned expecting mothers that want the extra support when it comes time to give birth. One local doula says, she’s beyond passionate about helping mothers especially during these times.

“I fell in love with it, I was like, I could witness that every day of my life,” says doula and owner of Thrive Birth services of Delmarva, Haley Dye.

Dye and her fellow doulas say they have been restricted from the delivery room for roughly a year now due to the pandemic. Dye says, doulas play a key role in many mother’s birthing experience as they provide support, birthing advice, and develop a relationship with the mother. “That just really helps reduce fear for the mother while she’s going through this very intense and vulnerable time,” says Dye.

Since the pandemic started, doulas have had to do more at home births then before, and even provide virtual support which can range from phone calls, texts, or even facetime. “It’s helpful for her but it’s also difficult for her to have to explain what she’s experiencing while she’s also going through that intense pain and everything,” says Dye.

47 ABC reached out to Chesapeake Women’s Health at Easton hospital about when doulas would be allowed back into delivery rooms and they stated, “There is no timeline on this at this moment.” Which is the same answer Dye says she has been told numerous times. Now Dye and other local doulas are asking expecting mothers to advocate for them if they wish to have a doula during their birthing process.

“Be very vocal during their prenatal appointments about wanting to have a doula present as well as contacting the hospitals, writing letters, emails things like that,” says Dye. “Make it known that this is a necessity, that doulas are essential and that it’s very important to all the moms.”

Dye also says, many of their clients specifically changed their birthing plans so they would be able to have doulas at home with them. They want people to know that they also serve as a support person for fathers and birthing partners, not just expecting mothers.

Doulas in the area also say, if you’re an expecting mother and wish to have a doula in the delivery room with you you should reach out to doctors, OBGYNs, or local hospitals to advocate for doulas to be back in the hospital.

If you have questions about services thrive birthing offers, you can visit their website at www.thrivebirth.org.