volunteering directly to the hospital?

[mrslifeofreilly]

I live about 10 minutes from a local hospital with not-so-great statistics that serves a lower-income population.

I would love to volunteer my services there (like being available/on-call once a week or so), but really don't have the time or energy to start up a whole hospital-based volunteer doula program.

Has anyone just approached a local hospital about volunteering their time/services? How did you approach them? How did the conversation go?

[FutureDoctor19]

I'd love to hear the feedback you get. I'm in a very similar situation!

[NurturedBellyDoula]

great question!! I would like to know about this too =)!

[mendomomma]

Yes, I am in the midst of it! I met the OB head nurse of our local hospital thru our kids' and husbands' athletics. One day I asked her about the possibility of volunteering. She thought it was a great idea, as our hospital is trying to gain a name for being natural and wellness oriented. And she said that there are quite a few women who come in to birth all alone (frown, sadness). She checked it with her boss, they put me in touch with the volunteer coordinator, and ran a background check, TB test,....
Today I met with the OB nurses, along with another doula friend, and we discussed the importance of team and nothing clinical on the doulas' part, and how our privileges on the OB floor change depending on if we are there thru the hospital or hired by the client. Oh, and how to sign up monthly for the days we're available. Next she is writing up protocols, etc for nurses and doulas (a set of rules, so to speak).
So, if you contact the right person who understands the contributions doulas make to ease birth, you may find a way to open the door for yourself.
I don't think it has to fall on you to create a program. I wouldn't even mention it. Just go and ask if you could volunteer as an on-call doula certain days a week.
Hope this helps. I'd love to hear what others' experiences have been.

[golden pregnancy]

The activity aroused by the previous poster is inspiring. I asked about volunteering services to my community's local hospital while certifiying, and I was told told I could not because of liability issues.

[mrslifeofreilly]

I e-mailed volunteer services this afternoon. Hopefully they'll contact me early next week and we'll go from there!

[mrslifeofreilly]

Still no word from the local hospital, nothing, not even a thanks for contacting us we'll see who you should talk to kind of thing.

If I don't hear from them by Monday I'll try to call and talk to either Volunteer Services or L&D directly.

[mendomomma]

Where there's a will there's a way. And there is something to be said about 'right timing', too. Be patient. If you want to attend more births, you could also contact midwives in your area. Make sure they have your contact info. Sometimes they will know someone how could peel the door open for you at the hospital, or try a clinic that focuses on women's health. They might know the right person to bring this idea forward to.
Good luck!

[WestsideDoula]

Just a thought:

You could approach the head nurse and give her a stack of your cards. Tell her that you want to volunteer and see what she says.