Required Doula Orientation and Training
Vanderbilt Health recognizes that doulas can play an important role by providing labor support to patients as a part of their care team. We welcome doulas to the Vanderbilt Birth Center and Vanderbilt University Hospital when requested by a patient.
Doulas who provide services at the Vanderbilt Birth Center and Vanderbilt University Hospital are required to abide by applicable Vanderbilt Health policies and requirements. They are not employees or agents of Vanderbilt Health, and Vanderbilt Health is not responsible for any acts or omissions of the doula, either before or during the birthing process.
To integrate doulas more fully into our obstetrics practice, Vanderbilt Health provides doulas with required orientation and training created by Vanderbilt Health professionals. The Doula Orientation and Training includes general hospital information and specific obstetrical information. It takes most people about 1-2 hours to complete.
Once you complete the training and agree to the terms and conditions of the individual doula agreement, you are eligible to receive a Vanderbilt Health Doula Badge. We encourage doulas to take the required training 90 days prior to their patients’ deliveries. After the initial training, we offer an abbreviated annual training.
Here are the steps to complete the training:
- Email doulas@vumc.org and request the Inpatient Obstetrics Doula Curriculum.
- The curriculum package will be sent to you via email.
- Complete education module package and click submit.
- Sign the individual doula agreement.
- Make an appointment to pick up your Vanderbilt Health Doula Badge at 2525 West End, Nashville, TN 37203. Call 615-936-3350 or email newcard.vumc@vumc.org for an appointment. There is a $10 charge for badges.
Please email doulas@vumc.org to learn more about our educational opportunities and resources.