It has come to our attention that trained doulas are not being allowed to support their clients in the hospital setting at some hospitals.
This gatekeeping is not new, but perhaps happening even more during the pandemic. We have not seen any decrease as of this yet. It seems that one way hospitals are keeping doulas away from their clients is by asking for proof of certification. Even then, only some doulas are permitted to enter.
As a response, DTI Programs Director, Tiek Johnson has written this letter to send to hospital and to have here on the DTI blog as both an example for others to use in their local communities and to bring about awareness.
Please share this widely and download the pdf as you see helpful:
XO, DTI