7/19/2021
WHAT: UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is hosting a four-day doula training at Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) from July 19 to 22. A hospital-hosted doula job fair in June led to twelve enthusiastic and diverse women joining the UPMC Magee birth doula team. As part of a Richard King Mellon Foundation grant, the soon-to-be doulas will receive training at no cost.
UPMC’s community-based doula team launched in 2004 and aims to understand and meet the medical and socio-economical needs of underserved communities in the region. With equity and inclusiveness as core values, the doula team provides a safe space for expectant and laboring families.
WHY: Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical and emotional support to mothers before, during and shortly after childbirth, counseling women through their pregnancies. Studies have shown that doulas on the birthing team lead to healthier moms and babies.
In collaboration with UPMC Magee, Healthy Start Inc., and the Richard King Mellon Foundation, this program will help MWRI gather data to support the inclusion of doula for women who would benefit from the added resource.
WHO:
- Beth Quinn, M.S.N., R.N.C., director, UPMC Magee women’s health operations
- Doula training participants
WHEN: Media is invited from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 20
WHERE: Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, 15213
Note to Media: To cover this event, contact Amy Charley at 412-738-3511 or CharleyA@upmc.edu.