TCMH Allowing Additional Support In Operating Room For C-Section Births

Texas County Memorial Hospital has expanded the policies of the surgery and obstetrics departments to allow professional doulas into the operating room with their clients during a Cesarean-section.

A doula provides support to a pregnant woman during pregnancy and labor and after delivery of the baby. The word “doula” is derived from ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves”, and there are professional doula services available in the Ozarks for women seeking additional support during pregnancy and after delivering their baby.

Angel Watkins, TCMH obstetrics department director noted that professional doulas are accepted as part of birth plans at many hospitals, but it’s rare that doulas are allowed in the operating room during Cesarean-sections.

“The C-section is typically viewed as a surgery, and only the father or one additional support person is allowed in with the mother,” Watkins said.

“We support our patients’ birth plans as long as their plans are safe. We recognized that doulas can provide support for the patient inside the operating room as well as in a non-surgical delivery,” Watkins said.

Summer Thorp-Lancaster, professional doula, applies pressure to the back of a client while she labors at home.

Watkins explained that doulas providing services at TCMH need to have and show their professional doula training. According to Watkins, TCMH will make efforts to accommodate and make room for a doula in the operating room, but there may be times when it’s not possible for the doula and the partner to both be present in the room.

“We want to provide the women that deliver at TCMH, the freedom of choice with their birth plan,” Watkins said. “Bringing a doula into the OR is another way to help our patients have the birth experience they desire.”

Additional information about utilizing a doula at TCMH is available through the obstetrics department by calling (417) 967-1260.