What is a birth Doula?
A birth doula is a trained professional that provides emotional, informational, and physical support to a birthing person during pregnancy, labor and childbirth, and immediately after childbirth. A birth doula is trained to guide you through labor by offering continuous support with relaxation and breathing exercises, massages, words of encouragement, and other comforting measures. Doulas work with your support person to encourage involvement and foster a positive experience.
A doula's service may include:
- Providing emotional, informational, and physical support
- Assisting before, during, and immediately after birth
- Assisting clients to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and their birth preferences
- Working with medical staff to promote healthy delivery and prenatal care
A Community-Based Doula is not a substitute for medical care or mental health support. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks. Any and all resources provided are for the benefit of the client’s autonomous decision-making and as an added support to their network of care.
Community-Based Doula Program
Do I qualify for doula services?
Referral partners must complete the referral form to request doula services for patients who plan to birth at Cone Health Women's & Children's Center at Moses Cone Hospital or Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist – High Point Medical Center.
To be eligible for a community-based doula through this program, a referral must be submitted on your behalf by a professional such as a case manager, home-visiting program coordinator, or community navigator.
Doula services Include:
- 3 in-person prenatal visits
- continuous in-person labor support
- attending birth in person
- 2 in-person postpartum visit
- 2 postpartum follow ups with the Doula Coordinator
Meet Our Doulas
Resources
Find a Doula in Your Area
Every Baby Guilford is compiling a list of doulas in the Triad. Follow the link below to start your search for a doula that suits your needs.
Want to be included in the Doula Directory? Submit your information here.
Grievance and Dispute Resolution
- Purpose and Scope
A grievance is a formal complaint submitted to the Guilford County Community-Based Doula Program (GCDPH-EBG) alleging that a Contractor has violated this Agreement, the program's Scope of Practice, payment procedures, documentation requirements, ethical standards, or any other program guideline. This policy applies to the complaints from clients, Contractors, GCDPH-EBG staff, or other concerned parties. The goal is to provide a fair, diplomatic process to discuss and resolve concerns while protecting all parties. - Informal Resolution
Before filing a forma grievance, the concerned party must attempt resolution through direct communication with the Contractor and/or the Doula Coordinator. Document all discussions (date, summary, outome). If unresolved after 7 business days, proceed to formal filing. - Filing a Formal Grievance
- Submit grievances using the program's digital grievance form within 30 days of the incident.
- Include: Complainant's name/contact, Contractor's Name, detailed description of the issue, dates/times, supporting evidence (e.g., notes, screenshots, invoices), witnesses, and requested resolution.
- GCDPH-EBG acknowledges receipt within 3 business days via automated confirmation and email notifiction.
- Review Process
- Notify the Contractor of the grievance within 3 business days (with complainant's identity unless anonymity requested for safety).
- Contractor has 10 business days to submit a written response and evidence.
If you are unable to resolve a concern informally, you may file a formal grievance using the Guilford County Community‑Based Doula Program’s online grievance form.
To Submit a Grievance
- Use the program’s official digital grievance form below.
- Complete all required fields, providing a detailed description of the incident, and submit any supporting evidence.
The program will acknowledge receipt within 3 business days and begin the review process as outlined in the Grievance and Dispute Resolution Policy.
If you need assistance completing the form or have questions about the process, please contact the Doula Coordinator.
The Community-Based Doula Program is managed by Every Baby Guilford, a collective action movement with the mission to ignite and mobilize Guilford County through partnerships and unified strategies to eliminate disparities and prevent infant deaths.
For more information or to get involved, contact our Doula Coordinator: amickel@guilfordcountync.gov