Volunteer Doula at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

The Volunteer Doula Program is overseen by experienced registered nurses in the birthing center, many of whom have supported women in labor for years. This highly sought-after opportunity comes with rigorous requirements, making it a rewarding experience for both patients and doulas.

As a doula, you'll have the privilege of playing a vital role in empowering families during their birthing journey. Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support, and guide them through one of the most memorable moments of their lives.

Acceptance into the program is based on an application and interview process, followed by an on-site orientation before volunteering alongside our labor and delivery team.

Volunteers must possess maturity, responsibility, and interpersonal skills necessary to interact safely and effectively with patients, staff, and other volunteers within a complex healthcare environment. They must be able to see and hear well enough to communicate clearly in person and over the phone.

Volunteers should be able to speak English clearly to ensure they are easily understood. They must also have sufficient manual dexterity and reading ability to assist with paperwork and perform clerical tasks independently.

Physical strength and stamina are required, as volunteers are expected to be on their feet for the duration of their shift. Additionally, volunteers must be able to commit to at least one year of service and be available for two 12-hour shifts per month.

Training requirements

Accepted applicants are required to complete mandatory training sessions as a part of the onboarding process:

· Complete two in-person 8-hour training sessions covering the fundamentals of the doula role.

· Attend one 6-hour in-person unit orientation.

· Attend two 12-hour shift orientations. These shifts allow doulas to become familiar with unit procedures and the environment, and to orient alongside staff and current volunteer doulas.

Steps to Become a Volunteer

Complete Application and Interview Process The Doula Program onboards three cohorts per year—in the spring, summer, and fall. Applications are evaluated by the team, and interviews are conducted early in each season.

Onboarding to the program

Once a prospective applicant is accepted, onboarding typically takes 2–4 months to complete. The following steps are required:

· Volunteers must pass a criminal background check.

· Volunteers must obtain Health Clearance, which includes certain required immunizations. Please refer to our Health Clearance Requirements for details.

· Volunteers must attend all mandatory doula training sessions.

· Volunteers must attend an in-person hospital orientation through the Volunteer Department. This is a 4-hour session during which hospital and volunteer program expectations, policies, and procedures are reviewed.