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.