May 13, 2024
West Columbia, S.C. – Lexington Medical Center is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its doula program. More than 12,100 babies have been born with the help of doulas at Lexington Medical Center over the past 30 years.
A doula is a birth coach who provides physical, emotional and educational help for women during and after labor. Doulas are a free service available to any woman having a baby at Lexington Medical Center. Doulas are available by request on a first come, first serve basis.
“We’re proud to offer the additional support a doula can provide to expecting mothers who come to Lexington Medical Center,” said Kelly Cutter, Director of Nursing. “Our award-winning, state-of-the-art Birth Center welcomes more than 4,000 babies each year, many whose mothers have used doulas to help welcome their child. We are proud of our doulas who have helped play a role in supporting thousands of women and families during one of the most important times of their lives.”
Lexington Medical Center has 25 doulas on staff ready to help expecting mothers.
“I was so happy to be able to have a doula with me during my labor,” said Courtney Cobb, a mother who was assisted by a Lexington Medical Center doula when in labor in 2004. “She was amazing, and I know I could not have gotten through it without her. I will never forget her or her knowledge, expertise and kindness she showed me and my family. I love the doula program and am so grateful for their service.”
Doulas are experienced health care professionals who undergo specific training for assisting pregnant women and newborns. Doulas understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor and help facilitate communication between parents-to-be, prepare birth plans and provide information about delivery options.
To learn more about the doula program at Lexington Medical Center, please visit our website or call (803) 791-2631.
Lexington Medical Center is a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. It anchors a health care network that includes five community medical centers and employs a staff of more than 8,000 health care professionals. The hospital is ranked best hospital in the Columbia Metro and #2 hospital in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report and was named one of the “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” by SC Biz News, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. Lexington Medical Cancer Center is an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence and has a clinical research and education affiliation with MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The network includes a cardiovascular program recognized by the American College of Cardiology as South Carolina's first HeartCARE Center. The network also has an occupational health center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, an Alzheimer's care center and more than 70 physician practices. Lexington Medical Center operates one of the busiest Emergency departments in South Carolina, treating nearly 100,000 patients each year. The hospital delivers more than 4,000 babies each year and performs more than 25,000 surgeries. Its postgraduate medical education programs include family medicine and transitional year residencies.
