A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest experience possible.

A doula that has had additional training in understanding the adoption process and how to support an expectant parent who is planning for adoption. An adoption doula understands that the hospital and postpartum experience will likely look different, and the doula is more attuned and equipped to care for the grieving parent.

The doula is there to care for you during labor and delivery, and briefly in the postpartum period. They are there to explain what is going on medically and give advice to caring for your healing body. They are also a listening ear and a companion while you grieve. The adoption social worker will guide you through all your options (adoption, parenting, abortion, kinship care, etc.) and will guide you in the process of choosing an adoptive family. She will meet with you at the hospital to sign adoption paperwork and will facilitate the transfer of your baby to the adoptive family or interim care family. She will help with case management needs and referrals as needed. During the postpartum phase, she will assist with clinical guidance in caring for yourself, offer coping strategies and provide psychoeducation about grieving after an adoption.

Making an adoption plan for your baby is often an isolating experience. Many of the expectant parents who work with Adoptions Together deliver their babies without a support person at the hospital. Nurses and hospital staff are often unfamiliar with the adoption process, so the doula can be an advocate if their needs may be different compared to other parents. If you do have a partner present, the doula can assist them in being a helpful partner during labor. Upon returning home, you may not have a trusted person to talk about their grief. An adoption doula is a safe and unbiased person who can provide support during this difficult time.

Full spectrum adoption doula services includes one prenatal visit, support in the hospital during labor and delivery, and at least two postpartum visits. If you have already delivered your baby, then the doula will provide only postpartum care services. These visits may be either in person or virtual, depending on distance and the client’s preference.

You should text/call both your adoption social worker and your doula when you go into labor.

Connecting you with a doula does not stop you from being able to change your mind about the adoption plan.

Call/text your adoption social worker for photos and updates while your baby is with an interim care family. Once the baby is placed with an adoptive family, you can send messages directly to the adoptive family on the Child Connect website.

Adoptions Together, a program of Paths for Families, will be paying for the doula services. Your decision to place for adoption will not impact your access to a doula.

You can reach out to either your doula or adoption social worker, both are supports for you during this difficult time. The doula will often collaborate with the adoption social worker after meetings with you. We can both provide referrals to Postpartum Support International but the adoption social worker can provide birth parent specific support services.