Dianne Pound knows a thing or two about how to help families welcome a new baby. Last month, she participated in her 1,500th birth as a Lexington Medical Center doula.

“I can’t believe that time has moved so quickly, and I have supported 1,500 families in their births. That’s enough to fill up a school! To be a part of those families’ birth stories is a great honor,” Dianne said.

Dianne Pound celebrated her 1,500 birth with Tiera and Phil Rollins, and baby Emma Sydney.

A doula is a birth coach who offers mothers comfort and reassurance during labor and delivery. In addition to understanding the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor, doulas facilitate communication between parents-to-be, help prepare birth plans and provide information about birth and delivery options. Postpartum doulas offer education, support and assistance to the new family once they return home.

“Doulas meet wonderful families and are a part of one of the most important days in a family’s life,” said Dianne. “We have a strong sisterhood of doulas here at Lexington Medical Center.”

Lexington Medical Center began its doula program in 1994. At that time, it was the first of its kind in the Southeast. Dianne started working at the hospital as a doula in May 1998 – more than 20 years ago. A lot has changed for expectant families at LMC since then.

“Labor and Delivery has added new and larger rooms, and we have made ongoing improvements to provide the best care to our patients and their newborns, including skin-to-skin contact after any birth, delayed bathing for 24 hours, Halo® sleep sacks and parent education concerning back sleeping,” said Dianne.

Because of support from the hospital’s Foundation and its donors, doulas are a free service for any woman having a baby at our hospital.