A helping hand when you need it

Doulas are women trained in childbirth support. Pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding, and infant care are their sepcialites.

UPMC for a New Beginning has some very special women who are ready to help you during your pregnancy. They can also help when it’s time for labor and delivery, and later when you and your baby are at home. They are called “Doulas,” and their services are available to residents of certain zip codes in Pittsburgh’s East End and the Mon Valley. The zip codes are 15035, 15104, 15110, 15112, 15120, 15122, 15137, 15145, 15148, 15218, and 15221.

Doulas provide non-medical assistance before, during, and after childbirth, including:

• Gentle reassurance
  
• Advice and information
  
• Emotional support
  
• Physical comfort, such as hand-holding

Every woman has questions during her pregnancy. Doulas can offer guidance and support when you have concerns like these:

• It’s too hard to eat healthy food all the time.
  
• I know I should watch my weight, but it is
  too difficult.
  
• I don’t know if I should exercise or not.
  
• I don’t have a way to go to doctor appointments.
  
• I have concerns about labor and delivery.

A Doula does not take the place of your partner, family members, friends, or doctor. The role of a Doula is to help ease worry and concern, be a trusted resource, and provide compassion and a voice of reason when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

If you live in the East End or Mon Valley, requesting a Doula is easy. For more information, call
1-866-778-6073. TTY users should call 1-800-361-2629.