The OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center obstetrics team recently hosted a Doula Meet & Greet, bringing together six community doulas, obstetrics leadership, labor and delivery nurses, and lactation specialists to strengthen partnerships that support birthing women and their families.
The gathering was designed to foster relationships between hospital and community-based birth workers while creating opportunities for ongoing collaboration. Attendees shared information about their roles, expertise, and the services they provide to people throughout pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care.
The event also supports the goals of the Illinois Perinatal Health Improvement Initiative (IPHI) Improving Lactation Outcomes grant recently awarded to the organization. A key focus of the grant is building referral networks and strengthening relationships with community partners who can help improve outcomes for birthing families.
Discussions centered on identifying opportunities for partnership and improving communication between caregivers who share a common goal: providing the highest quality care while helping patients achieve their individual birth goals.
“We all have one collective goal of providing the best and safest care possible for our patients,” shared Gwen Strum BSN, RN, IBCLC, obstetrics nurse and lactation consultant. “By building relationships and understanding each other's roles, we can better support Sauk Valley families throughout their birthing journey.”