# @doulaassociationofalberta on Facebook

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.facebook.com/1304262045222781/posts/523107105516181
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65557146-doulaassociationofalberta-facebook
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1082304835.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-09-30T19:21:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Lindsey Bowns // Bow Photo Co. (@bowphoto.co) — https://gondola.cc/bowphoto.co

## Caption

The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Visitation Task Force has emphasized to the Doula Association of Alberta (DAA) the validity of patients requesting that a doula be designated as a second support person to be in attendance at their birth. 

The Visitation Task Force included the following language in Support Person guidelines, updated Effective October 4, 2021:
 
🌿 "Exceptional circumstances and requests by patients for two (2) designated support persons will be considered by site command posts on a case-by-case basis. One (1) additional designated support person (for the infant) will be considered in cases of adoption or surrogacy if physical distancing permits."

🌿 As shared today with DAA and site stakeholders, “a patient should have the ability to request a Doula attendance as a second DSP and that the request NOT be unreasonably denied. ...
[ A request for doula support ] should not be arbitrarily dismissed without strong grounds." 

🌿The DAA has been made aware that this information will also be distributed to the Zone Emergency Operation Centers (ZEOCs) to communicate to their respective sites. 

🌿 As per requirements for other acute care site staff, contractors, and volunteers, the DAA strongly recommended that doulas be prepared to present proof of vaccination as well as proof of training. Although vaccination is not a requirement for DAA membership, it presents a much stronger case for doulas being permitted into birth sites, and is one less reason for administrative objection. 

🌿 It has been asked that the DAA reinforce to doulas and client families that patients should advocate with each local area/unit to have their doula present as a second DSP, and to make their wishes and their doula's credentials known well in advance of arrival at the hospital where possible. 

DAA is working with AHS to facilitate advocacy within each Zone and birth site, and will report more information as it is received.

Please continue to share with fellow alberta birthworkers and turn notifications on using the 🔔 

#daa #doula #birth #birthdoula #postpartumdoula  #albertadoula #doulasofalberta #albertamama #doulasofalberta #doulasofinstagram

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 7
- **Shares:** 11
- **Comments:** 1

## Tags

doula, doulasofinstagram, albertamama, birthdoula, birth, albertadoula, doulasofalberta, postpartumdoula, daa

---
Copyright (c) Gondola