We believe doulas are not visitors, but are a critical part of the birth team. We believe that doulas are trained professionals who provide support before, during, and after labor. We believe they play an important role in a successful birth outcome.
Please help us change INOVA's visitor policy and show support for the Doula community.
Please help us change Inova's visitor policy and show support for the Doula community.
I saw that you are promoting an online petition to change Inova Health System's flu season-related, temporary visitation policy that had restricted visitors to maternity wards to a single visitor (the spouse, significant other, or designated support person). The policy was originally enacted to protect segments of the population most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu virus -- pregnant women and children. It was never intended to downplay the role that doulas play in the birthing process. That said, we have since loosened the policy, given the fall of H1N1 cases and the rise of availability of H1N1 vaccine in the community. You can find details here, under the Labor and Delivery subhead:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.inova.org/patient-and-visitor-information/facilities/visitor-restrictions.jsp
Ideally, the doula should provide proof of vaccination against both seasonal and H1N1 flu, and it should be nine days beyond the latest vaccination (to ensure that the person has had time to develop antibodies to the virus).
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Todd Bernhardt
Director, Communications
Inova Health System