WHAT DOES OPERATION DOULA PROVIDE?

Operation Doula provides doula support as an option for any family delivering at Balboa Hospital in San Diego on an as available basis once a mom is admitted and in active labor. The doulas within the network are trained by a national or internationally recognized organization. The birth professionals listed have endorsed the Military Birth Resource Network’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and adhere to the guidelines set forth by Operation Doula for volunteers.  These professionals endorse our goal to make a positive difference for pregnant women, new mothers, and their families through education, nurturing, and advocacy while fostering respect, knowledge, and integrity among professionals everywhere.  Volunteer doulas are an option for any family.

WHY WE STARTED

Operation Doula began from the heart of two women, a Doula and a Midwife.  They shared the same dream, to provide labor and birth support to a community of women with a higher than average need for support who had limited resources to obtain that support.  As a military spouse and a doula, Maria Provencher was excited to partner with Midwife and Professor Sherry Kari, CNM, MSN.

Sherry had worked as a midwife at Balboa Hospital prior to her work as a Professor at SDSU’s School of Nursing.  With their backgrounds and shared passion, they soon developed the program for Naval Medical Center San Diego, known as Balboa Hospital and went to work gathering volunteers.

MARIA PROVENCHER PROGRAM  COORDINATOR & CO-FOUNDER OPERATION DOULA