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Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice

Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice

At the International Doula Institute, we define a postpartum doula as a professional support person trained in the needs of the family in the days, weeks and months after birth or addition of a new baby. The 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 Professional 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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