Doula Program

Doula Program

Birthing persons can find the pregnancy and childbirth services they need through the UMass Memorial Medical Center Doula Program. Our birthing team works with you to meet your unique needs and concerns. You receive expert, compassionate and personalized care from an experienced staff. 

A doula guides and supports you during your pregnancy, during labor, and after delivery of your baby. They can answer questions, help manage pain, provide reassurance and be there for whatever you need. And research shows that working with an experienced doula can reduce your risk of complications.

Our Doula Program: Resources for Childbirth, Breastfeeding, Postpartum Support and More

As part of this program, our birthing team works with you to meet your unique needs and concerns. Depending on your preferences, we can help connect you with a prenatal and/or postpartum doula. 

Prenatal Doula Services

• Before birth:
  • Offer prenatal education about the birthing process and pain management preferences
  • Help you create a birth plan
• During delivery:
  • Provide continuous emotional support
  • Offer comfort measures like breathing techniques, massage, positioning help, and encouragement
  • Act as an advocate for the birthing person’s wishes and help facilitate communication with the medical team (but does not give medical advice or perform clinical tasks)
• After birth:
  • Offer immediate postpartum support
  • Assist with initial breastfeeding and bonding

Postpartum Doula Services

• After you go home:
  • Help with newborn care, feeding support (breast or bottle), diapering, bathing and comforting your infant
  • Assist with household tasks like light housekeeping, meal prep, running errands and sibling care, as needed
  • Provide guidance and reassurance during the early transition to parenthood
  • Offer referrals to local resources, such as parenting classes, pediatricians and lactation consultants 

Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Support

The UMass Memorial Medical Center Doula Program provides welcoming, informative support groups for childbirth education and breastfeeding support. Groups are accessible with evening and weekend sessions available. 

Additional Resources:

• National Black Doulas Association
• Lactation Services
• Worcester Healthy Baby Collaborative – Baby Box Project

The UMass Memorial Doula Program is committed to creating a pregnancy and parenting experience that is welcoming and supportive of you and your baby.

For more information, doula@umassmemorial.org
Call 774-641-9715