With funding from the Connecticut Health Foundation, Hartford HealthCare will make changes to policies to better partner with doulas. This pilot is intended to improve maternal health outcomes for all patients including those impacted due to social challenges.
Doulas provide emotional and physical support for pregnant people before, during, and after childbirth. They are not always medical professionals, but serve as advocates for the birthing parent. Research has shown that doulas can help improve maternal health outcomes, including reducing the number of cesarean sections and premature deliveries. The current health care system needs to improve its support, promotion, and partnership of doulas. The goal of this pilot program is designed to do just that starting at Hartford Hospital and expanding to the entire Hartford HealthCare system.
The $63,000 grant will allow Hartford Hospital to collaborate with community-based doulas to create doula-friendly campuses. Modifications include rewriting the hospital’s policies to make doulas an integral part of a patient’s care team. Funding will also be used for training and education for hospital staff on the role of doulas and how to collaborate with them.
Other Grants: