We must ensure that the values of birth justice and human rights in childbirth are upheld and respected in the way pregnant people and their families are treated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VBI will be focusing our efforts on local regional offerings, as well as national support. We are offering full spectrum Virtual Doula Support through all stages of pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, and loss as well as educational classes and trainings. 

We are closely monitoring the circumstances and recommendations around the COVID-19 pandemic and the many ways this virus is affecting our community- especially pregnant and parenting families. We are working hard to provide continuous prenatal and postpartum support while following all medical guidelines for the safety and wellness of birthing individuals and our doulas.

As hospitals, physicians, clinics and medical staff are working hard to prepare for more cases of the coronavirus, we are aware that mothers are concerned for ongoing prenatal and postpartum care. Many are also concerned for how this virus will affect their unborn child and are experiencing increased anxiety with the possibility of delivery at hospitals during a pandemic.

In order to continue with the collaborative care necessary for best outcomes, our community-based doula collective will offer Virtual Doula care -FREE for all our pregnant, breastfeeding and at-home mamas. We want to ensure pregnant and parenting families receive the ongoing education, guidance and reassurance needed to make informed decisions during this time of social distancing.

Virtual Doula Care includes the following:

  • Up-to-date information to process feelings around giving birth or parenting during the pandemic
  • Creating Birth Plans
  • Planning for births with hospital restrictions.
  • Ongoing Childbirth Education and informed decision-making during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
  • Comfort measures. Supportive care and education for partners and families.
  • Breastfeeding Education and Postpartum Lactation Support
  • Postpartum education, recovery and transitioning to parenthood
  • Postpartum Mental Wellness
  • Safe virtual spaces for perinatal wellness and healing after birth

Doulas offer nonclinical support and education to ensure healthy maternal health outcomes   for families.  VBI Doulas do NOT give medical advice or replace physicians or midwives. We provide evidence-based education and support so that mothers can make informed decision during the childbearing year. This community support is necessary and most important, particularly for Syracuse families already facing disparities in maternal health. As stated by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), doulas are “essential personnel and part of the maternity care team”

Our collective is committed to working in collaboration with public health and medical providers so that families have accurate, up to date information while healthcare facilities are focused on containing and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Thank you for your commitment. Stay well.

Connect at info@villagebirthinternational.org

Syracuse, NY: 315-920-2787

NYC/NJ/National: 347-423-9507