Meeting a need. A call to action with Operation Doula.
Serving military families through the support of volunteer doulas.
“What would we do without our doulas! The love, patience, and dedication they show to our mommas is unparalleled. As Nurses we try to be bedside as often as we can, but it means so much to have someone who can stay by the patient’s side. They serve as wonderful advocates, educators, and mediators between moms and healthcare providers. Whether it is for our laboring mothers whose partners are deployed, or couples who need a little extra TLC, we truly appreciate all of their care.”
I began my doula journey over 25 years ago, by accident really. I was helping my friend Tammy, a fellow Navy spouse. At the time, our husbands were deployed together. She was my amazing, strong and independent friend who was about to have her baby without her husband or family. She had thanked me for being one of the few people, or maybe the only person, who had told her that my birth from 1 year prior was a positive and wonderful experience. She asked if she could call on me if it happened that she needed a little help. I, of course, said yes, having little idea that it would add an amazing chapter to my life. Her son Donny wasn’t the only one born that day, doula Maria had arrived as well, and I have enjoyed and been amazed by every birth since then.
Today I am the founder of Operation Doula with Military Birth Resource Network. We provide professionally trained birth doulas to military families at no cost. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for a mom delivering at our local military hospital to arrive to L & D completely alone. Deployments and family separation often interfere with the support a mom would usually have present. Some women haven’t lived here long enough to develop deep enough friendships with people capable of lending a helping hand at a birth. Family can be many states away and sometimes can’t afford to leave work and fly in to help. Professional doulas are readily available for hire, but most military families, whether enlisted or officer, lack the resources to afford the costs that can range from $500 to $1000 per birth. Military families’ resources are limited by frequent moves, interruptions to income of the non-military spouse, travel fees, and relocation expenses. Ultimately, they have a higher than average need for birth support and a less than average ability to obtain that support.
“Thank you for being a supportive, active participant and advocate for our patients. We really enjoy the collaborative efforts to help achieve a healthy, happy, and safe delivery.”
“The doulas are extenders to our team and add value to our staff. The most significant effect experienced by our military laboring women is the visual relief seen when they know they aren’t going to be alone.”
At Balboa Hospital in San Diego, moms now have the support they need through Operation Doula. We are an emergency backup system in place to help any mom who needs that extra layer of support in addition to the wonderful medical staff of Corpsmen, Nurses, Midwives and Doctors who we love working with as a team. Volunteer doulas join mom once they are admitted and in active labor, and they remain with mom until baby arrives. Hiring a doula is always best and is encouraged because it allows for mom-doula bonding prior to delivery and for a tailored approach that deals with a mom’s specific needs and education. But if you can’t afford to hire one, that doesn’t change your need for one. At Balboa, those needs are met with our volunteers.
Currently, San Diego is the only location to offer volunteer services for military families. The Military Birth Resource Network is expanding to other locations to provide Operation Doula, and other support programs, at other military installations. This requires time, networking, building relationships with base hospitals, and many supporters, including doulas who want to volunteer their time for military families.
The Military Birth Resource Network invites you to donate in effort to support the expansion of this program, expecting military families who cannot afford doula support and funding new doulas to become trained to work with these families. All doulas, whether volunteer or members listed on the website, who serve with the Military Birth Resource Network must be trained by an internationally recognized organization and sign and agree to MBRN's SOP & COE's.
The best way to describe the impact this program has had is to share with you the words from patients, families, and staff. These are the words that mean the most to us…
“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! for all your help. We couldn’t have done it without you!! You are truly an angel!! … Thank you again for being such a compassionate, caring person!!” Grandma
“The doulas are simply AMAZING!!! Our patients love the special touch they provide. They are always caring and gentle. They make the patients and family feel special and cared for. The doulas offer a support option to assist women through the labor process and also assist staff with anything they need. AWESOME JOB!!!” L & D Nurse
“Many thanks to the doulas that have worked hand in hand with the nurses. You provide a great service to the families in need. You guys are amazing.” L & D Nurse
“Thank you for comforting me and calming me down when I was in labor at home and at the hospital. We appreciate you giving me tips on how to relax and how to push. We love all of the pics you took of my baby girl. Thank you for everything you do for military families. It was really nice knowing you and the difference you make. We really appreciate the work you do, you are an amazing person. It was a pleasure to have you at the most precious moment of my life.” Military Mo
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for starting Operation Doula. The volunteer doula was a calming presence in the delivery room and I’m so thankful she was there. I want to also thank you for each of our phone conversations. Each time we spoke, I felt more informed, more at ease, and filled with information about pregnancy, labor, and nursing. Blessings and many thanks.” Military Mom
“I just wanted to thank you again for your help with my delivery. Especially at the last minute. I was really scared but you helped me through it all. Besides the slight pain, the delivery was smooth. Thank you and your volunteers for what you do.” Military Mom
“Having a doula at the most recent unmedicated birth we had was so very helpful. They help the Mom focus and breathe – especially when the RN has much to do in the room regarding charting & maintaining patient safety. They are able to keep Mom focused and really keep the mood calm. Thank you!!” L & D Nurse
Military Birth Resource Network is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted under IRS regulations. Kindly consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions.
Military Birth Resource Network is not affiliated , funded, or in any way associated with the Department of Defense or any of its components. Military Birth Resource Network has no governmental status.