This just in - Birth Doulas Allowed at Wyoming Medical Center!
Great news - doulas are now viewed as medically necessary staff here in Casper and will be welcomed to accompany birthing women at the Wyoming Medical Center! So, hire a doula! Women who test positive for Covid-19, however, will not be allowed to bring a doula, nor any visitor, to the birth. Doulas will be required to bring their own personal protective equipment, such as face masks and gloves. We will be allowed to remain with the birthing mama and partner until the birth of the baby, at which point we will be asked to leave.
Of course, things are changing weekly, so contact the Wyoming Medical Center at (307)577-4307 to double-check on their current visitor status. Currently, for example, we are in the "yellow" zone, but if cases continue to rise, we will be in the "red," and visitor regulations will change.
I am super encouraged about this new development. I have been hoping for doulas to be considered necessary to all the women who are desiring one.
"Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like one of the most important and basic needs for birthing people...Evidence shows that continuous support can decrease the risk of Cesarean, the use of medications for pain relief, and the risk of a low five minute Apgar score. Labor support also increases satisfaction and the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth. Continuous support may also shorten labor and decrease the use of Pitocin. Although continuous support can also be offered by birth partners, midwives, nurses, or even some physicians, research has shown that with some outcomes, doulas have a stronger effect than other types of support persons. As such, doulas should be viewed by both parents and providers as a valuable, evidence-based member of the birth care team." Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, founder of Evidence-Based Birth (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/)