Volunteer Doula at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

The volunteer will offer suggestions of positions and coping techniques to help the patient through the intensity of contractions. They are educated on tools that can help patients feel more comfortable during labor and birth, including hydrotherapy, the use of birthing props, therapeutic touch, and massage.

The Volunteer Doula Program is administered by a professional doula trainer and registered nurses who have many years of experience in labor and delivery. Our staff provides full orientation, training, and certification upon completion of the program. Acceptance to the program is based on an application and interview process.

Those who apply and are accepted to the program must agree to a one-year commitment with a minimum of 10 births and will be expected to fulfill 6, 8 or 12 hour shifts to total 24 hours per month. Volunteer doulas must also attend periodic meetings for ongoing education and offer guidance for future doulas in the program.