Plus One Doula Program
A collaborative doula program between Aspirus St. Luke's and Doulas of Duluth
Through a generous grant from the Bush Foundation, Aspirus St. Luke's and Doulas of Duluth are collaborating to transform and advance birth equity. Through the Plus One Doula Program, patients can receive a partial or full scholarship to hire a doula through Doulas of Duluth. This program makes it more accessible for patients to add a doula to their pregnancy, birth and postpartum care team.
What is a doula?
A doula is a professional who provides support to expectant parents during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. They offer information, resources and emotional and physical assistance to help you feel prepared and confident for childbirth.
A doula's primary aim is to meet your needs, and they can assist anyone, regardless of birth plans. Having a doula can improve birth outcomes and experiences, reducing negative outcomes and enhancing positive ones.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
A doula is a valuable support resource available to both you and your partner throughout the entirety of your pregnancy journey. Benefits can include:
- A better overall experience during childbirth
- Less likelihood of running into complications while in labor
- Fewer negative outcomes
- Lower risk of maternal health issues
- Progressing more quickly in labor
- Up to a 40% reduced chance of needing a C-section for low-risk pregnancies
- Fewer interventions during labor, like epidurals
What can I expect if I hire a doula?
Doula care begins with a free consultation to pick the right doula for your birth team. Before your birth, you'll have 1-3 meetings with your doula to build rapport, discuss your birth preferences and receive valuable education and resources.
When labor begins, your doula will be on-call and join you, offering support throughout. They'll stay a couple of hours post-birth to ensure you're comfortable. Additionally, your doula will visit your home 1-3 times in the first few weeks after your baby is born.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Applicants must be:
- An Aspirus St. Luke's patient
- Planning to deliver at Aspirus St. Luke's Birthing Center
- No later than 28 weeks gestation
This program is available to all applicants who meet these criteria regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural or socioeconomic background. Exceptions to eligibility may be made for extraordinary circumstances.
How much does it cost to hire a doula through this program?
All qualifying patients will receive a partial scholarship, which means they will only pay $650 to hire a doula. Full scholarships are also available for those experiencing financial hardships or in financial need. Payment will need to be made in full to Doulas of Duluth by 35 weeks of pregnancy.
How does this program benefit patients?
Through the increased support provided by doulas, this program is designed to:
- Promote birth equity across marginalized populations
- Decrease racial disparities in adverse perinatal complications
- Reduce the low-risk cesarean delivery rate
How does someone apply for this program?
To apply or learn more about the program, fill out the form below and Aspirus St. Luke’s will contact you within 5-7 business days.
To learn more about Doulas of Duluth, visit their website.