Birth partnerships: Enhancing nursing care with doula support

Title : Birth partnerships: Enhancing nursing care with doula support

Abstract:

As patients increasingly hire non-medical, out of hospital support workers, like birth doulas, to enhance their hospital experience, tension can arise between hospital staff and these supplemental team members. In labour and delivery settings, this can lead to a "battlefield" atmosphere, compromising patient care and satisfaction. In this presentation, full-time practicing Birth Doula Vera Kevic shares expert insights on maximizing the collaborative potential of nurses and doulas, fostering a unified care team that prioritizes patient-centered care and optimal outcomes for mothers, new parents and babies. Vera brings over 11 years as a doula, educator, and advocate, making her uniquely qualified to address these critical issues. The role of non-medical support workers, such as doulas, is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to patients and their families. However, unclear boundaries and communication gaps can lead to misunderstandings and disconnects with hospital staff. This presentation will explore the benefits of collaborative care, including improved patient satisfaction, the benefits of synergy and teamwork, and enhanced overall birth experiences. Through real-life case studies and interactive scenarios, attendees will learn strategies for integrating non-medical support workers into hospital care teams, aligning goals and gaining trust in the process. The presentation will also address common challenges and misconceptions, providing a platform for open discussion and problem-solving.
Key topics will include:

• Understanding the role and scope of practice of non-medical support workers
• Effective communication and collaboration strategies
• Navigating conflicts and challenging situations
• Aligning goals and priorities for optimal patient outcomes

Learn how to leverage doula support to elevate nursing practice and transform birth experiences. This presentation is designed for nurses and other healthcare professionals working in hospital settings, particularly in labour and delivery, postpartum, and maternity care.

Biography:

Vera Kevic is a Certified Birth Doula, Educator, Public Speaker, and co-owner of Doulas on Bikes in Toronto, Canada since 2014. She has taught hundreds of parents and birth workers skills and strategies for navigating the birth process with confidence. She supports birthing families in hospital, home and birth centre settings in a variety of styles from highly medical to physiologically untouched labours.Vera holds a degree from the University of Toronto and a diploma in Teaching Adults from George Brown College. She has presented at several conferences, workshops and is a frequent podcast guest. She is a community builder and frequently brings together doulas for networking opportunities. She was Treasurer for the Association of Ontario Doulas from 2018 to 2020. When not attending to labouring families, you can find Vera cycling through the streets of Toronto, advocating for a more compassionate and equitable birth culture.