LABOR COACH PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

818 Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone (510) 986-6830 ext. 243
Fax (510) 986-6890

GOAL:

The goal of the Labor Coach Program is to provide labor support and interpretation assistance for the non-English or limited English speaking Asian immigrant women during childbirth in the hospital.

POPULATIONS SERVED:

Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin speaking), Korean, Vietnamese, Laotian, Mien, Cambodian & Tagalog.  Cantonese, especially, is needed.

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS:

We seek volunteers who:

• Have strong bilingual proficiency in English and in at least one Asian language and a bicultural awareness.

• Are willing to function both as an advocate and a companion prior to and during labor and delivery.

• Are capable of being mature and reliable, and have interpersonal skills to interact with patients and hospital staff.

• Have a flexible schedule with work and/or schooling in order to go to the hospital at any time for deliveries and be able to spend and undetermined number of hours during childbirth.

• Are preferably female only due to the particular type of services being performed and due to cultural consideration.

ROLE OF VOLUNTEER:

Volunteers are asked to serve as:

• Interpreters - Assist the expectant women and hospital staff in communicating concerns, needs, and information.

• Labor Support Persons - Provide physical and emotional support during childbirth.

• Patient Advocates - Serve as the key link between the clinic and the hospital and assist patient in expressing her needs to the hospital staff.