The average number of hours doulas spent supporting clients during labor and birth saw a noticeable spike in September 2024. This was largely due to a surge in births during a single week, which made it difficult for doulas to rotate or take breaks. In that month, the team was fully staffed, but the clustering of births led many doulas to remain with their clients for extended periods without the usual opportunity to swap out. In contrast, the months of November, December, and January showed a dip in hours, which actually reflected better rotation practices and more balanced staffing. During these months, the birth volume was steady, and doulas were able to time handoffs more effectively. In February, average hours rose again due to a mix of higher birth volume and temporary staffing shortages, which reduced the ability to rotate as needed.

Internal coordination is key to managing doula time effectively. Lead doulas play a central role in overseeing schedules and ensuring doulas know when to step in or step back. Clinical scheduling teams and intake staff also help prepare for labor support by tracking client due dates and staffing needs. When more doulas are available to rotate during long labors, the average time each individual spends can be more manageable. Bria and Jaya, who provide mentorship and planning support, are essential partners in helping doulas navigate timing and check-ins, especially when labor begins outside of standard hours.

Mentorship and intentional planning have been important for improving doula support hours. Doulas who consult with Bria and Jaya ahead of time are better equipped to pace their support and arrive when clients need them most. This helps avoid situations where doulas are present for long stretches of early labor when the client may be resting. Clear communication among team members about labor progress and timing has helped spread the workload more evenly. In months with strong coordination and appropriate staffing, doulas were able to rotate out after a set number of hours, ensuring sustained, high-quality support without overextension.

To improve consistency in labor support and reduce the burden on individual doulas, SisterWeb can continue investing in mentorship and communication systems. Regular planning conversations, especially during weeks with higher expected birth volume, can help align schedules and expectations. Reinforcing clear rotation practices and setting thresholds for when a doula should be relieved can help prevent burnout. Lastly, securing additional funding to support adequate staffing would make it easier to maintain flexible and responsive support without compromising care quality.