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Birth Doula Scope of Practice

Birth Doula Scope of Practice

At International Doula Institute we define a birth doula as a professional support person trained in the needs of the family during pregnancy and childbirth. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support during childbirth including comfort measures.

The Professional Certified Birth Doula is trained in 5 Core Competencies:

  1. Physiology of Childbirth
  2. Common Interventions and Evidence Based Care
  3. Comfort Measures for Childbirth
  4. Emotional Support
  5. Communicating with Medical Care Providers and Clients Utilizing Emotional Intelligence

A Doula’s Scope of Practice Includes:

  • Education during pregnancy
  • Being On-Call
  • Continuous Attendance at the Birth
  • Comfort Measures During Childbirth
  • Relaxation Techniques
  • Touch Techniques
  • Positioning education and support
  • Warm and Cold (heating pad or cold pack) support 
  • Emotional Support during Pregnancy and Childbirth

A Birth Doula is Not:

  • A birth doula is not a medical professional.
  • A birth doula is not a psychologist or mental health professional.
  • A birth doula does not perform clinical tasks. 
  • Clinical tasks that a doula would NOT perform would include checking fetal heart tones, checking a mom’s cervix, taking blood pressure, suggesting medications including over the counter, prescription or herbal medications, vitamins or offering any other medical advice. 
  • A birth doula will not provide abdominal massage to help turn a breech baby.
  • A birth doula will not contradict the healthcare provider’s advice.

If the doula also holds a degree in medicine, therapy, RN or a similar degree, they will still have to stay within the scope of practice of a doula during their time in a family’s home when contracted as a Certified Birth Doula (CBD).

Advocacy 

Assisting in facilitating fluid communication between birth facility staff and the birthing family – we do not speak for our clients, rather we support them in self-advocacy.

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