Doula

Doula Position at Virtua Health

The Doula is a trained professional providing physical, emotional, and informational and educational support to patients before, during, and after childbirth. Working alongside physicians, midwives, and other healthcare providers, the Doula enhances the birthing experience and champions the well-being of each patient and family building trusting relationships, advocating for patient preferences, and offering steady, compassionate support at every stage of the journey.

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as a visible, trusted presence for patients meeting them where they are at OBGYN/Midwifery office visits, community events, and Virtua Health events. Regular, in-person engagement at these touchpoints is a core part of this role.
• Build meaningful relationships with birthing patients from early pregnancy onward, offering continuous encouragement and emotional reassurance at every encounter.
• Foster a calm, welcoming environment that eases stress and anxiety and helps patients feel truly supported.
• Empower patients with evidence-based information on the birth process, pain management options, and postpartum care.
• Guide birthing patients and their partners in an understanding of their options and feeling confident and prepared for labor.
• Assist with comfort measures during labor, such as breathing techniques, massage, and positioning.
• Help the birthing patient with relaxation and pain management strategies.
• Support the birthing patient in communicating their preferences and decisions to medical staff.
• Help advocate for the birthing patient's birth plan and wishes during labor.
• Stay with the birthing patient throughout labor and delivery, providing constant support during the entire process.
• Offer emotional support in the early days after birth.
• Assist with breastfeeding and newborn care, such as helping with latch and positioning.
• Help partners feel more involved and confident during the birth process.
• Offer guidance on how partners can be most helpful during labor.

Position Qualifications Required :

• Required Experience: 2-3 years of experience required.
• This role operates within the non-clinical scope of the birthing process.
• Must have a strong ability to listen and provide emotional support in high-stress situations.
• Familiarity with childbirth processes, comfort measures, and postpartum care. Ability to communicate effectively with the birthing person, their family, and the healthcare team.

Required Education:

• High School Graduate or GED

Training / Certification / Licensure:

• Completion of certification for Doulas is required.
• Valid Driver's License required.

Virtua offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: medical/prescription, dental and vision insurance; health and dependent care flexible spending accounts; 403(b) (401(k) subject to collective bargaining agreement); paid time off, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, colleague and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.