The Difference a Doula Makes
Facing a wide range of emotions, Erika Sorgen-Bull, of Broadalbin, checked into Albany Medical Center’s Birth Place four and a half weeks before her baby’s due date. Her water broke unexpectedly on the morning of her baby shower.
Sorgen-Bull was excited when she learned the Birth Place has doulas on staff. She had originally thought about hiring her own doula. A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support before, during, and/or after childbirth to help them achieve the most satisfying birth experience possible. Whether the birth is routine or medically complex, a doula is there to act as an advocate for the patient and offer a variety of support, including help with birthing positions, breathing, changes in the birth plan, breastfeeding, and more.
That day, Sorgen-Bull had a smooth delivery and gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Geralt. “Having that connection with the doula was huge for me,” she said.
In the summer of 2024, Albany Med launched the doula program, hiring certified doulas to be members of the labor and delivery staff. Doula services are available to all patients at no extra charge. Typically, patients hire private doulas and pay out-of-pocket for their help during labor.
The program is part of a larger initiative by Albany Medical Center’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to improve patients’ childbirth experience and outcomes, including participation in the New York State Department of Health’s Birth Equity Improvement Project. The doula program is one component of a multifaceted approach to decrease the department’s cesarean section rates, with a specific focus on the Black birthing population.
“Doulas are one piece of the puzzle that helps us expand our commitment to enhancing patient experience in a way that is safe and equitable for all,” said Rebecca Rogers, MD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We couldn’t offer this unique program without the generous support from local government and foundations and community members, and we are incredibly thankful.”
The doula program was funded thanks to various grants and gifts totaling over $2 million from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the Carl E. Touhey Foundation, the New York State Department of Health and State Assembly, the New York Health Foundation, Key Bank, and Enid Tanenhaus and Lewis Segal. This funding supports doula salaries, training, equipment, professional development, and much more.