Originally written by Tricia Tomiyoshi, published to the internal news site for UC Davis Health team members, and re-published with permission for the benefit of our local community members.

(SACRAMENTO)

22 volunteer doulas stand on three different steps
The first cohort of doulas began their service in 2023.

UC Davis Medical Center is accepting applications for its fourth group of volunteer doulas.

Volunteer doulas provide emotional support and non-pharmacologic pain interventions to help patients achieve their labor and delivery goals. The services offered by trained volunteer doulas are free to UC Davis Health patients. Each doula provides 1:1 support to a patient in labor. Patients can request a doula upon admission, based on first-come, first-served availability.

Doulas typically spend between eight and 16 hours on a shift. Day and night shifts are available. Volunteer doulas work in the medical center’s University Birthing Suites.

Additional details about this opportunity:

  • No previous experience is necessary. Volunteers will take a two-day labor support class on Feb. 3 and 10, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They’re also required to attend a unit orientation day to learn the tools needed to assist in labor and delivery.
  • The program starts in February 2025 and requires a minimum commitment of one year.
  • There is a 16-hour monthly minimum commitment.

Those interested in becoming a doula should complete this application by Oct. 26, 2024. For questions, please email HS-UCDvolunteerdoulaprogram@ucdavis.edu.