Hospital-Based Doula Support
Evidence-based non-medical support intervention designed to complement medical care and align with clinical protocols.
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MedCity Doulas supports patients delivering at hospitals in Rochester, Minnesota.
For Referring Providers
Physicians, midwives, nurses, social workers, therapists and public health providers
MedCity Doulas partners with clinical teams to provide trained, non-medical support during pregnancy, birth, postpartum transition, and critical care. MedCity Doulas has engaged in clinical research at Mayo Clinic and program development with clinicians exploring how doula support can be integrated into many healthcare settings.
Our Role In The Clinical Setting
MedCity Doulas provides structured, non-medical support that complements established clinical care plans.
Our presence is patient-centered and aligned with hospital policies, provider oversight, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Our role is supportive, not directive. We operate within a clearly defined non-clinical scope and prioritize respectful collaboration in all care environments with all care providers.
Within hospital and outpatient environments, doulas provide:​
Continuous non-medical labor support
Emotional regulation and grounding techniques
Reinforcement of patient education provided by clinical teams
Support for values clarification and decision-preparation
Partner inclusion and support
Transitional support following discharge
We do not:​
Perform clinical tasks
Provide medical advice or interpret clinical data
Replace nursing, midwifery, or physician roles
Interfere with medical decision-making
Clinical Evidence Supporting Doula Care
Findings reflect pooled data from randomized controlled trials examining continuous labor support across diverse clinical settings.
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Peer-reviewed research demonstrates measurable associations between continuous labor support and improved birth outcomes.
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39% lower likelihood of cesarean birth
Continuous labor support has been associated with a decreased likelihood of cesarean delivery.
31% relative reduction in use of synthetic oxytocin
Individuals receiving continuous support were less likely to require labor augmentation.
38% reduction in negative birth experience
Patients were significantly less likely to report negative perceptions of their birth experience.
15% increased likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
Continuous support was associated with higher rates of spontaneous vaginal delivery.
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9% lower use of pharmacologic pain medication
Individuals receiving continuous support were less likely to use opioid or other pharmacologic pain relief during labor.
When to Refer
Referral may be appropriate when a patient could benefit from structured, non-medical support alongside established clinical care. Early referral allows time for rapport-building and alignment with the patient’s care plan prior to admission or delivery.
We welcome referrals from obstetrics, family medicine, midwifery, maternal-fetal medicine, nursing teams, and behavioral health.
Consider referral in the following contexts:
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Significant anxiety related to birth or hospitalization
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History of trauma affecting medical experiences
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History of sexual assault
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Limited social or partner support
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High-risk or medically complex pregnancy
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Desire for continuous labor support
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Prior negative birth experience
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Postpartum adjustment challenges
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Complex discharge transitions
What Happens After a Referral
1. We contact the patient within 1–2 business days.
2. A consultation is scheduled with patient to discuss support needs and preferences.
3. A doula team is matched based on availability and patient needs.
4. Support begins during pregnancy, hospitalization, or postpartum as appropriate.
Our doulas collaborate with clinical teams and reinforce the patient education and care plan provided by clinicians.
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