Doula assisting with pregnancy

Discover Doulas

Pregnancy is a powerful, life-changing journey, and having compassionate support along the way can make all the difference. Our Community Health Network doulas are caring, trained birth professionals who offer physical comfort, emotional encouragement, and helpful information throughout labor and birth. Working alongside your care team, doulas provide personalized care so you feel informed, confident and supported throughout your pregnancy journey.

We can’t wait to serve you and partner with you during your pregnancy. We want to ensure that you have all the necessary information before making your decision, so please review the service agreement before completing the enrollment form. You will not be required to sign the service agreement until after you enroll.

Doula Service Agreement Doula Enrollment Form

For questions about our doula care, please email apryor2@eCommunity.com.

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained birth professional who focuses on non-medical support during pregnancy, labor and birth. While your physician and nursing team provide medical care, your doula offers:

  • Physical Support: Comfort measures such as positioning, massage, breathing techniques and relaxation strategies
  • Emotional Support: Continuous reassurance, encouragement and presence during labor
  • Informational Support: Helping you understand your options, answering questions and guiding you through the birth process
  • Advocacy Assistance: Supporting you in communicating your preferences to your care team

How Can You Benefit from a Doula?

Each woman’s pregnancy is unique, which is why our doulas provide personalized care to each woman, so they feel comfortable and supported throughout their pregnancy journey.

  • Extra support during a long or challenging labor
  • Assistance with coping techniques if planning an unmedicated birth
  • Help navigate decisions during unexpected changes
  • Continuous presence when nurses and physicians may need to step out for other patients
  • Reduced stress and increased satisfaction with your birth experience

How Does a Doula Work with Your Care Team?

Your doula is an extra layer of support, not a replacement for medical professionals. They collaborate with your physician and nurses to ensure your birth plan and preferences are respected while maintaining safety. This partnership means:

  • Your physicians and nurses focus on medical care and monitoring.
  • Your doula focuses on your comfort, emotional well-being and confidence.

Together, they create a supportive environment for a positive birth experience.

Why Use a Community Doula?

Our doulas are highly trained birth professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care for you and your baby. Their expertise and compassionate support ensure that you feel comforted and supported through every step of your pregnancy journey.

Community Doula

  • Employed by Community Health Network
  • Works with 1–2 clients per month
  • Provides backup coverage (you may have a different doula at delivery if needed)
  • Fee: $500 (due at enrollment)
  • Cannot bill insurance directly

Private Doula

  • Independent provider
  • Typically offers more personalized care
  • May assist with insurance reimbursement
  • Higher cost

Enroll in Doula Care

We are excited to be part of your pregnancy journey.

How and When To Enroll

We recommend filling out the doula enrollment form below by the end of your first trimester, so this gives you time to build a relationship with your doula and access resources early. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait!

We want to ensure that you have all the necessary information before making your decision, so please review the service agreement before completing the enrollment form. Please note that you will not be required to sign the service agreement until after you enroll.

Doula Service Agreement Doula Enrollment Form

Cost To Enroll

The fee for doula services is $500, due at the time of enrollment. This includes up to two prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and a postpartum check-in. Please review the doula service agreement for refund policies.

Patient Responsibility

For your doula to provide the best support possible, communication is key. Please keep your doula informed about:

  • Changes in your pregnancy or birth plan
  • Signs of early labor or concerns before going to the hospital
  • Any questions or needs you have during pregnancy

Your doula can offer suggestions and advice before you arrive at the hospital, but they can only help if they know what you’re experiencing. Staying in touch ensures you receive timely support.

Childbirth Education Requirements

Completion of childbirth education classes is required to participate in the doula program. Refresher classes are available for parents who have already given birth.

First-time parents may choose from:

  • Birth and Baby Virtual
  • Birth and Baby Express Virtual

We also strongly recommend:

  • Natural Labor Virtual Discussion
  • Breastfeeding Basics

Class Descriptions and Registration

Does insurance cover doula services?

Community Health Network cannot bill insurance directly for doula services. Private doulas may assist with reimbursement, but our program does not.

Can I choose my doula?

We match you with a doula based on your enrollment form. We do not offer interviews with multiple doulas. Our team approach ensures coverage and support, even if your primary doula needs backup during your birth.

What happens if my doula can’t attend my birth?

If your assigned doula is unavailable due to extraordinary circumstances, a backup doula will attend your birth. This ensures you always have support.

How do I pay?

Payments can be made at registration desks at Community Hospital East, Community Hospital North or Community Hospital South.