Partum Health x UChicago Medicine Doula Partnership: Essential Facts

Following the launch of Partum Health’s partnership with UChicago Medicine to bring on-site doula care to its Hyde Park labor and delivery unit, we wanted to share additional details in response to community questions and interest.

The Partnership at a Glance

• This partnership brings Partum Health doulas directly into UChicago Medicine’s labor and delivery setting so more birthing patients can receive continuous, compassionate support during labor and birth. 
• It is designed to improve the patient experience, strengthen care, and support better maternal health outcomes.
• Patients do not need a doctor’s referral or a prior relationship to receive labor support from the doula team. 
• Patients with eligible insurance, including Medicaid, can receive doula care at no additional cost. 
• The doulas were recruited by and are employed by Partum Health. They are not employees of UChicago Medicine.
• Partum Health bills Medicaid for doula care.
• This partnership program is built on open communication and feedback between UCM clinical staff and the doula team. Partum Health helps facilitate this feedback process to ensure the doulas’ perspectives are heard and to support their role in patient advocacy.

Questions and Answers

1. What kind of support do the doulas provide?

‍Doulas provide emotional support, patient empowerment and advocacy, and physical comfort measures for birthing patients. The team of doulas works in shifts to provide 24/7 access to care. Doulas can be assigned two patients; however, the goal is 1-on-1 support once a patient is ready for continuous support. ‍‍

      2. Can labor and delivery support be helpful without prenatal support?

‍Yes. Patients who arrive at labor and delivery without prior doula support can still benefit from compassionate, continuous support during labor and birth. This care does not require a referral and, for Medicaid patients, is covered by Medicaid. All parties also support and recognize the value of full spectrum doula care. 

3. Can patients still have their own doulas?

Yes. Community-based and independent doulas are welcome at UChicago Medicine. If a patient arrives with their own doula, that relationship is fully respected, and the patient will not be paired with a Partum Health doula.

4. How are the doulas trained? 

The doulas in this program have a combined 65+ years of birthwork experience grounded in birth equity. Each has their own unique background, including community work and multiple training programs as well as Medicaid certification and Partum Health’s full-spectrum doula training program. Several are also either studying or practicing midwifery.

This team did not receive doula training from UChicago Medicine or the State of Illinois. UChicago Medicine did provide training on hospital-specific policies, including fire safety, ER protocols, and emergency codes. 

5. Are the doulas employed by the hospital?

No, all seven doulas in this program are employed by Partum Health. They work alongside UChicago Medicine doctors, midwives, and nurses.

• Where can I learn more about the partnership?

‍Read the full partnership announcement here.