Which KY hospitals are allowing doulas?

Updated 04/24/23

Some of you have asked at which hospitals I can support births in person along with a partner, so I will plan to keep the updated list here. Of course, I can attend any Kentucky home birth in person and will happily do so as long as you’re okay with me wearing a mask and you are not COVID positive; I am also unable to attend hospital births if you are COVID positive. I am fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 (Moderna). The following list is not extensive and only includes the hospitals at which I have attended births during the pandemic:

Baptist Health Lexington - “Visitors are limited to 2 per patient and may not rotate. 1 visitor may stay overnight. They are encouraged to remain for the entire stay and wear a mask in the room with mom and baby. Doulas count towards visitor count.” Doulas are not permitted in the OR or in recovery for Cesarean births.

Clark Regional (Winchester) - “No children under the age of 14 are allowed to visit the unit unless they are a sibling of the baby being born. Children under the age of 14 (even siblings) are not allowed to attend the actual delivery. Siblings count as a visitor and need to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times (other than the birthing person).”

Ephraim McDowell Regional - “One overnight birth support person and two visitors who may not rotate. Total of three visitors during this time. Doulas are considered part of the visitor count. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis with the care delivery team.”

Frankfort Regional Medical Center - “Our women's health department is open from noon to 8:30pm. The mother’s partner or support person may visit at any time. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed, except for the children of the patient.”

Norton Women’s and Children’s (Louisville) - “Two visitors at a time, 24/7. During labor and delivery, a properly credentialed doula also may be present as part of the care team.”

Saint Joseph East Women’s Hospital - three visitors (when in active labor, otherwise one) + a doula

UK HealthCare - three visitors + a doula

Kentucky home birth - partner(s) + a doula

In birth, ignorance isn't bliss

The exact path your birth will take is unpredictable. With so many variables in the process, it can feel overwhelming to attempt preparation for all of the possible twists and turns you’ll encounter during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. While it may seem like the best (only?) option is to go in without expectations and follow the lead of your care providers, I want to encourage you to take the reins on your body and your birth experience. You absolutely cannot control every aspect of your birth, but you can educate and prepare yourself for the experience.

When meeting a potential client, I always ask what your plans are for childbirth education. I want to know what you’re going to know about labor and birth. I provide informational support during pregnancy and birth, but that does not replace childbirth education. And not all childbirth education courses are created equally. If you haven’t already booked classes, I’m happy to provide referrals to instructors/courses that will meet your needs.

One of the advantages to preparing yourself for childbirth is that you’re more likely to have an empowering experience when you feel confident about your decisions. You’re in a totally different state of mind during labor, and having to learn about an intervention for the first time when you’re laboring can be distracting and unnerving. It’s hard to really take in the information that’s being shared (or ask for it if it’s not being shared) when you’re laboring. If you’re prepared for what may come, you’ll be clearer on what’s best for you in the moment and in the long run. And all of that education and preparation will hopefully lead to a more positive birth experience and a stronger start into parenthood.