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You are here: Home / Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice

Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice

Helping doula postpartum doula scope of practicePostpartum Doula Scope of Practice

At the International Doula Institute, we define a certified postpartum doula as a support person trained in the needs of the family in the days, weeks and months after birth or addition of a new baby. The postpartum doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support immediately after birth through the first year. The word “doula” originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant. 

The Certified Postpartum Doula is trained in 5 Core Competencies:

  1. Caring for and Understanding the Needs of the Postpartum Birthing Person and Partner
  2. Caring for and Understanding the Needs of Baby/Babies
  3. Caring for and Understanding the Needs of the Siblings
  4. Caring for and Understanding the Needs of the Home
  5. Emotional Intelligence/Communication Skills

A Postpartum Doula’s Scope of Practice Includes:

  • Assessing the needs of the family
  • Providing non-medical recommendations and referrals
  • Emotional support of the individuals parenting choices
  • Encouragement and positive affirmations
  • Newborn care hands-on education and care including:
    • Normal newborn behavior
    • Newborn appearance
    • Sleep habits
    • Feeding
    • Bathing
    • Dressing Baby
    • Referring clients back to pediatrician 
  • Breastfeeding counseling
  • Advanced breastfeeding education
  • Normal postpartum adjustment vs a need to refer to another professional
  • Help with comfortable positions for parent and baby
  • Establishing helpful routines
  • Establishing a good latch
  • Establishing a good milk supply
  • Learning to use a breast pump
  • Proper milk storage
  • Preparation of bottles and washing/cleaning/sterilizing
  • Knowing typical cord and circumcision or intact care
  • Establishing routine
  • Organizing the nursery
  • Light housework
  • Sibling education and transition
  • Care of big siblings
  • Creating shopping lists, shopping, and meal preparation 

What a postpartum doula is not:

  • A postpartum doula is not a medical professional.
  • A postpartum doula is not an herbalist and will not prescribe or suggest herbs or remedies.
  • A postpartum doula is not a lactation consultant and will not make decisions about how the baby will be fed.
  • A postpartum doula is not a psychologist or mental health professional.
  • A postpartum doula does not make any decisions for the family.
  • A postpartum doula does not perform clinical tasks such as checking the baby’s respiratory rate, check a mom’s c-section incision, suggesting medications (over the counter, prescription or herbal) or any other medical advice. If the doula also holds a degree in medicine, therapy, RN or the like, they will stay within the scope of practice of a doula during their time in a family’s home while contracted as a CPD.

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Testimonials

Tracy tells us,
“This course was informative and educational. I enjoyed learning how to become a doula.”

Patricia shared, 
“This course was great. I loved how easy it is to use, as someone who is not very technologically inclined. The coursework was challenging and I learned so much. My instructor was always very easy to reach and very responsive to any issues I had. I loved being able to work at my own pace and skip around a bit. Videos are hard for me as I am very self-conscious so it was nice to be able to postpone them for a bit until I could really practice and feel my best. ”

Judith shared, 
“The instructors and course materials/videos were all so wonderful and informative. I truly feel very well equipped with all the knowledge and tools I now have to start as a full spectrum doula with multiple certifications under my belt. Thank you, IDI, from the bottom of my heart. My true passion is blossoming before my very eyes!”

Miranda tells us, 
“I started my training at IDI almost a year ago. The courses have given me exactly what I needed to become a confident doula! After looking at several different doula training programs I decided on IDI because I have two young children and could work at my own pace online. I also really liked that the curriculum was contributed to by different backgrounds and trainings, not only from one perspective. This program has offered more to me than I ever could have thought! Not only have I learned how to support Moms and families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum but I’ve been given tools in growing my reach and communication… just to name a few. There’s also huge support from other doulas in the program. I recommend this program to future doulas!”

Mary says, 
“Started my journey (with admitted fear) only a month ago and felt immediately at ease! This program is very fluid. Work at your own pace. Easy to reach help and support the whole way through. Everything you need to know to hit the ground running with confidence once certified.”

Brenda tells us, 
“My name is Brenda and I have been studying with IDI for a while now, looking forward to the Postpartum course also. I have found the studies, books, and information to feel well rounded in information and comprehensive. I love all the books they have chosen for my studies. Also, the opportunity to be hands-on with the additional class, interviews, videos, and Moms-to-be. This is a part of the program that brings all the reading, studying…everything to light! The teachers are kind, understanding and obviously VERY experienced and can guide and support me throughout this wonderful journey of certification to be a “Doula” I’m so happy I chose IDI to be my training! Thank you!!!! I look forward to the future!♡”

Joyce says, 
“I love being a student with IDI!”

Laura tells us,
” Easy to do at my own pace, good supplemental readings. ”

Hannah tells us,
” Hey this is Hannah! I’m SOO excited to have finished my courses & have become a CERTIFIED DOULA! I almost can’t believe I have that title, with my name!!! This has been a lifelong dream. I’m very grateful to have been able to do it online, as I am a stay-at-home mom to 7 amazing children. It was very convenient for me to work on, as I had quiet time, during my little’s naps. Having been through labor, birth & breastfeeding stages of my life, helped tremendously. However, it was a very practical course & easy to understand the instructions. I highly recommend IDI to anyone who is interested in becoming a doula!! Thank you, IDI!!! ”

Tatyana says,
“I enjoyed everything about this course. Very informative and detailed.”

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