A doula is a person that provides emotional, informational, and often physical support to someone as they experience and navigate a significant life event and/or transition. The birth doula, in particular, delivers this support to women and people who birth (and often - their spouses, partners and families). Further, many birth doulas begin their work with clients well before joining them in their birthing space - offering support throughout pregnancy and the early postpartum period.

A Novant-verified doula is a birth doula who has completed a Novant-vendor verification and specific credentialing process to obtain greatest access (within scope of practice) to its hospital facilities. When you independently hire a Novant-verified doula, they work for you, not the hospital. One of the greatest benefits to clients of Novant-verified doulas is their doula’s ability to move within Novant’s spaces as team members - including in triage, operating rooms, and PACUs. To learn more about the Novant-verified doula program, visit here and scroll down to Doulas.

Doulas and midwives - however complimentary - differ tremendously in scope of practice. To learn more about them (and OB/GYNs!), read here. Also, this interview between Certified Doula, Kris Elle, and the mothers behind the locally-recorded Behind the Throne podcast, addresses this question: beginning at 30:19

That’s a good question. It’s important to note that the educational and experiential background of any doula (including birth doulas) will vary. Some doulas have completed professional training programs with certification requirements, some were born into their role after supporting a birth of a family member or friend. And although there are a variety of professional training programs, certifying organizations, ancestral sisterhoods and teachings - what unilaterally qualifies a doula for the service and support that someone needs, is a matter of who, rather than what: you. You get to decide if a particular doula is qualified to support you.

If you are interested in learning more about specific training programs and certifying bodies that your doula may identify with—to make a more informed choice about the birth doula you are hiring—here is a list of established organizations that train and certify doulas:

Ancient Song

Commonsense Childbirth

DONA

Mama Glow

NBDA

In the journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, informed consent is a right - ensuring that you have the knowledge and agency to make decisions with relevant information that enables you to align your care and experience with your desires and well-being.

Informed consent is more than a signature on a form; it’s an educational and educated dialogue. You may find this narrative helpful as you exercise your right to gather informed consent.