Position Summary
The Birth Doula provides non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant individuals and families throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. The doula serves as an advocate for respectful, informed, and culturally responsive care while helping families feel supported, educated, and empowered during their birth experience.
This position focuses heavily on improving maternal and infant health outcomes and reducing disparities among underserved communities, particularly Black and Brown families throughout Western New York.
The Birth Doula works collaboratively with healthcare providers, lactation counselors, childbirth educators, and other doulas to ensure families receive comprehensive and coordinated support services.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and immediate postpartum recovery
Conduct prenatal and postpartum visits according to organizational and Medicaid requirements
Assist clients with birth planning, childbirth preparation, comfort measures, labor positioning, and coping techniques
Support informed decision-making while respecting client autonomy and preferences
Offer evidence-based education and resources related to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and breastfeeding
Provide labor support in hospital, home birth, and birth center settings when applicable
Support breastfeeding initiation and bonding immediately following delivery within scope of practice
Maintain communication with assigned clients throughout pregnancy and during on-call periods
Coordinate care and referrals with healthcare providers and community-based organizations as appropriate
Complete all documentation, visit notes, care coordination updates, and Medicaid-related requirements accurately and within designated timelines
Participate in case reviews, team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training opportunities
Assist with outreach, education, workshops, and community events to increase awareness of doula services and maternal health resources
Promote respectful, trauma-informed, culturally responsive care practices
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Must be credentialed with New York State Medicaid as a Doula Provider
Certified Birth Doula through a recognized training organization
Minimum of 2 years of experience or attendance at at least 25 births
Experience supporting both hospital and out-of-hospital births preferred
Strong understanding of maternal health disparities and culturally responsive care
Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication with the care team
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout all 5 counties within the Western New York region
CPR certification or willingness to obtain prior to start date
HIPAA compliant
Ability to work flexible and on-call hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or breastfeeding support experience
Experience with trauma-informed care practices
Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply
Childbirth education training or experience
Community outreach or public health experience
Professional Expectations & Responsibilities
Maintain professional communication and be available via phone, text, and email
Respond to client communications in a timely manner:Text messages: within 12 hours
Urgent labor-related communication: immediate response expected whenever on-call
Maintain consistent on-call availability for assigned clients around their estimated due dates
Arrive to births in a timely manner once active labor support is requested
Provide nonjudgmental, unbiased, and culturally responsive support to all families
Share only evidence-based information while remaining within the doula scope of practice
Work collaboratively with other doulas, lactation counselors, healthcare providers, and CNDSC staff
Be available to provide backup support for other CNDSC doulas when needed
Attend required monthly staff meetings, workshops, trainings, and continuing education opportunities
Participate in sponsored community outreach activities, educational events, tabling opportunities, and vending events as assigned
Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and HIPAA compliance at all times
Maintain active New York State Medicaid Doula Provider credentialing and remain compliant with all Medicaid billing and documentation requirements
Core Competencies
Compassionate and empathetic client support
Cultural humility and inclusivity
Professionalism and reliability
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Crisis management and emotional support
Ability to remain calm and supportive in high-stress environments
Team collaboration and community engagement
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and provide physical labor support for extended periods of time
Ability to lift and carry supplies as needed
Ability to travel frequently throughout the 5 Counties of the Western New York region
Ability to attend births during overnight and extended labor hours and on-call hours