About This Role
This part-time Doula position, requiring 20 hours per week, focuses on encouraging and promoting empowerment through pregnancy by providing physical, emotional, and educational support to birthing parents and their families. The role supports families during prenatal, labor, and postpartum care periods in rural communities and maternal deserts, with support extending up to three months postpartum.
Responsibilities
- Listen to the concerns and questions of the birthing parent and family in a kind, non-judgmental manner
- Offer the best possible advice based on knowledge of the latest high-quality evidence in relevant pregnancy, birth, and postpartum topics, in conjunction with best practices maintained by the care team
- Stay within the scope of practice as a Doula and abide by the DONA Code of Ethics
- Attend up to two prenatal meetings, including at least one face-to-face visit to develop a relationship with the patient, immediate family, establish birth preferences and goals, and develop a birthing plan
- Remain with the mother throughout the active labor phase and provide physical and emotional support during and after childbirth if included in the patients' preferences (up to 12-hour labor support and Doula attendance at labor and delivery)
- Provide practical support and advice to the mother after childbirth (up to two postpartum visits)
- Visit the home of the patient once they have been discharged and assist with the care of the baby while the mother heals (e.g., helping organize the nursery, running an errand, assisting with lactation or feeding needs, and/or meal preparation)
- Keep up to date on childbirth support, birthing techniques, and pre- and post-natal care by conducting research, networking with other Doulas and mothers, and maintaining regular education session attendance
Requirements
- DONA International, ICEA Birth Doula (or comparable) Certification within one year of being in this position (if additional deliveries are required)
- Previous childbirth experience
- Current Driver's License, reliable transportation, and maintains current insurance
- Availability to support birthing parents in labor whenever labor occurs (daytime, nighttime, weekends, and holidays)
- Ability to travel throughout the rural community of the program and complete home visits
- Approved to provide doula services in Montana birthing hospitals
- Commitment to and passion for supporting birthing parents and their families
- Ability to remain calm, multitask, and provide emotional support and incorporate cultural competency with all birthing parents
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build strong relationships within the professional birth community
