Childbirth assistants (doulas) support women giving birth at UCSD Med Ctr in San Diego

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About UCSD Hearts & Hands Volunteer Doula Program

Location:

UCSD Jacobs Medical Center, 9300 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, US

Mission Statement

To work within the UC San Diego Medical Center's patient care team as volunteer birth assistants who provide non-clinical support in accordance with each mother's preferences during her childbirth. And, to be a widely regarded, sustainable program model shown to enhance clinical outcomes and increase patient satisfaction.

Description

Helping families through childbirth is a gift to everyone involved.
No medical training is needed, and it's ok if you haven't had a baby yourself. Our doulas have attended the births of over 7,000 babies at UC San Diego's Birth Center and Labor & Delivery Units in Hillcrest and La Jolla since 2000.

We provide training, mentoring, and on-going support for a diverse group of volunteers who want to get experience for private doula work or for careers in nursing, midwifery, or medicine - but many of our doulas simply love guiding families through this important life experience, and don't have any other personal goals for this unique type of volunteering. We give emotional support and offer physical care and comfort during the entire birth process. Labor and birth can be many hours long. All you need is stamina and interest; we’ll teach you the rest.
This may be the most personally gratifying but challenging volunteer position you will encounter - though perhaps not a good fit for busy students and nursing mothers.
Studies show healthier birth outcomes when a doula is present. Plus, we get rave reviews from mothers, partners, and hospital staff ... we think the babies really like us too.