When requested by the expectant mother, Sutter Davis Hospital offers a special program to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to mothers during the childbirth process. A volunteer doula is on-call 24 hours a day and is available to laboring mothers at no cost.

Doulas at Sutter Davis Hospital’s birthing center are trained in the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth. They are also educated in the normal stages of labor that every woman goes through when having a baby. Our doulas nurture women through one of the life's most precious events, helping to make it a positive and memorable experience.

Beyond seeing to the woman's comfort, the doula facilitates communication between the woman, her partner and healthcare providers. The doula guides the woman and her support system through the labor process, making suggestions to help the mother cope with the intensity of contractions. She is educated on the many labor tools that can help a woman feel more comfortable during labor and birth, including hydrotherapy, birthing stools, therapeutic touch and massage.

Selecting a Doula

If you would like a doula at your child’s birth, discuss this option with your healthcare provider during your prenatal visits. When you are admitted to the birthing center in labor, or for a medically necessary induction, inform your nurse when you would like to have a doula, and one will be called for you.

Becoming a Volunteer Doula

The Volunteer Doula Program is administered by registered nurses in the birthing center who have many years of experience supporting women in labor. We greatly appreciate having prospective volunteer doulas join our labor support team. Doula orientations are held twice a year, in the spring and fall. Acceptance to the program is based on an application and interview process.

Our doula program is a highly sought after opportunity with rigorous requirements. Those who apply, and are accepted to the program, agree to a minimum two-year commitment and will be expected to fulfill a minimum of 12 hours on-call a month. Volunteer doulas also must attend monthly meetings, continuing education and periodic outreach events designed to educate the community about doulas and the hospital’s volunteer program.

Interested in becoming a doula? Complete an online application.

Applications for the volunteer doula program are currently open.