Brookings Health System Starts New Volunteer Doula Program

As a part of the ongoing initiative to improve labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care, and in response to feedback from the recently held birth experience focus groups, Brookings Health System is starting a new volunteer doula program, targeted to begin Oct. 1.

A doula is a woman who provides continuous labor support during childbirth, works together with the mother and her partner to assist with emotional and physical support, and uses relaxation techniques such as positioning and massage. Doulas have statistically been proven to reduce the use of epidural anesthesia and the cesarean section rate.

The volunteer doula program at Brookings Health System will provide a pool of doula candidates available to assist fellow women in the delivery process.

Women interested in becoming a volunteer doula at Brookings Health System may apply by contacting Doula Program Coordinator Emily Delbridge at edelbridge@brookingshealth.org or 605-696-9000.

Qualifications to become a volunteer doula include completion of a DONA training course or its equivalent. Certification is not required. Volunteer doulas must commit to one shift per week.

Expecting parents who would like to use doula services during the birth process at no cost to them may also contact Doula Program Coordinator Emily Delbridge.

Brookings Health System provides full obstetrics services to expectant parents and enables area residents to deliver their baby close to home. 

For more information about Brookings Health System's full obstetrics services, go to www.brookingshealth.org.

About Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.