It has been a crazy year for everyone. The pandemic hit and everything changed. In March 2020, doulas were not permitted to enter any hospital in the Northeast Ohio area. We transitioned quickly to be able to provide our clients with virtual support. It was an odd thing, but we managed to adapt and still provide quality support even though it looked different.
At the end of May all that changed when Summa Health Systems made headway as the first hospital system in our area to welcome doulas back with open arms. It wasn't until end of September and October that the other systms allowed us back in. Summa Health Systems have continued to welcome us even through this second wave of the pandemic. At this time, they do not have any plans to block us back out. This is a huge blessing. It really is amazing when a health system understands the need for support even when there is a pandemic going on - support is needed especially during this time. Not only for our clients but for the overworked medical staff.
Hospitals in our area as of 12/27/2020 that are still allowing doulas:
Summa Health System
Cleveland Clinic
University Hospitals - depends on county risk at time of labor
Aultman Orrville
Wooster