Referring Providers
BIDMC welcomes physician referrals and the opportunity to provide excellent care for your patients.
Supportive Birth Collaborative
Supportive Birth Care, Research & Education
Founded in November 2021, the Supportive Birth Collaborative (SBC) is a diverse group of people who work together to identify, implement and test interventions that aim to improve patient experiences and outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. As part of our work, we also host numerous education and research opportunities to enhance our ability to meet our patients' care needs.
SBC’s current efforts involve strengthening doula-supported care provided on Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's (BIDMC) Labor and Delivery Unit, reinforcing clinician-doula collaboration, and addressing inequities in perinatal outcomes. We center the patient and their family at the core of all our work.
If you would like to learn more about the work of the SBC, explore opportunities to get involved, or share suggestions for future projects, please email us.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to support the SBC's work, please email Sarah Hart or call 617-667-0523.
More About the Collaborative
Care & Services
The multidisciplinary Supportive Birth Collaborative (SBC) team is made up of obstetricians, anesthesiologists, nurses, doulas, students, social workers, administrators and researchers who are all working together to improve pregnancy and postpartum care at BIDMC. We work closely with community doula programs and family partners to help meet the needs of our patients.
Policies, Processes & Integration
The Supportive Birth Collaborative (SBC) Policy Sub-Committee is focused on revising existing BIDMC policies and creating new ones to further the seamless integration of doula support for all patients.
As part of our activities, we have successfully changed hospital policy to recognize doulas as members of the care team instead of as support people, increasing the total number of support people allowed in labor rooms.
We have also standardized and implemented doula representation in patients’ electronic medical records and hospital room signage.
Education & Training
We develop, implement, and test educational materials, programs, and co-education curricula for doulas, physicians, nurses, residents, medical students, and other clinicians at BIDMC. As part of our educational activities, we have hosted learning sessions for physicians, residents and nurses on the importance and availability of doula support. We have also incorporated doulas into annual clinician simulation sessions to encourage more clinician-doula co-education and collaboration.
Research
We survey and evaluate the work of the Supportive Birth Collaborative (SBC) to better meet the needs of our patient population. We have conducted numerous surveys for clinicians and doulas aimed at improving birthing experiences for patients.
