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Doula Standards of Practice
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Birth Doula Standards of Practice
Photo courtesy of The ABC Doula
The doula accompanies a woman in labor, providing emotional and physical support. She recommends physical comfort measures and offers suggestions for the mother's partner. In addition, the doula provides prenatal and postpartum education and emotional support.
A doula does not prescribe treatments or make decisions for her clients. She does guide clients to balanced information so they may make informed choices.
When serving as a doula, one does not perform any clinical or medical tasks including, but not limited to: taking blood pressure, monitoring the fetal heart rate, performing vaginal exams, and providing postpartum clinical care. When a doula is asked for assistance outside the scope of her training, she makes a referral to an appropriate healthcare provider.
The doula will always have a back-up doula, in case she is unable to attend a birth due to emergency or illness. Payment arrangements are made between the primary and back-up doula prior to being on-call for the client. For continuity of care, a primary doula shall attempt to introduce the back-up doula to her clients before the on-call period begins. Back-up doulas will be provided with basic information about clients (i.e. phone number, primary care provider, hospital, birth preferences, etc.)
The doula will offer to meet clients at their residence for labor support. (This does not mean the clients will accept this option, but it will be presented).
The doula shall have an informed disclosure agreement and/or client contract signed by herself and her clients. This document will ensure confidentiality as well as describe her training, philosophy, scope of practice/services provided, backup arrangements and fee structure.
A doula does not prescribe treatments or make decisions for her clients. She does guide clients to balanced information so they may make informed choices.
When serving as a doula, one does not perform any clinical or medical tasks including, but not limited to: taking blood pressure, monitoring the fetal heart rate, performing vaginal exams, and providing postpartum clinical care. When a doula is asked for assistance outside the scope of her training, she makes a referral to an appropriate healthcare provider.
The doula will always have a back-up doula, in case she is unable to attend a birth due to emergency or illness. Payment arrangements are made between the primary and back-up doula prior to being on-call for the client. For continuity of care, a primary doula shall attempt to introduce the back-up doula to her clients before the on-call period begins. Back-up doulas will be provided with basic information about clients (i.e. phone number, primary care provider, hospital, birth preferences, etc.)
The doula will offer to meet clients at their residence for labor support. (This does not mean the clients will accept this option, but it will be presented).
The doula shall have an informed disclosure agreement and/or client contract signed by herself and her clients. This document will ensure confidentiality as well as describe her training, philosophy, scope of practice/services provided, backup arrangements and fee structure.
Postpartum Doula Standards of Practice
Photo courtesy of Bright Heart Mother Care
The postpartum doula cares for the new family in their home during the first few weeks following birth, often called the "fourth trimester". The doula provides non-medical physical, emotional, informational, and practical help. If a client needs assistance beyond a doula's scope of practice, referrals will be made to the appropriate resources. The following is a general guideline for postpartum doula care, but please speak with each doula you may interview regarding her specific practice as many may offer additional or fewer services.
Physical Support:
- Provides information on postpartum comfort measures
- Ensures mother is receiving enough nourishment, fluids, and rest
- Helps mother to care for and understand her postpartum body
- Listens to family's birth story and discusses any concerns/joys regarding the experience
- Assists with family members adapting to their new roles
- Supports and encourages the family in this vulnerable time
- Assists all family members in bonding with the newborn
- Guides family in infant care techniques
- Gives information on infant development
- Assists in educating family in injury prevention
- Supports and assists with breastfeeding, addressing any common concerns and referring to the proper resources if necessary. If bottle-feeding, the doula will assist in the proper bottle-feeding techniques.
- Prepares simple meals and snacks
- Performs light housekeeping
- Provides sibling care
- Runs errands
- Cares for baby while parent eats/rests/showers
- Diagnose or treat medical conditions
- Provide heavy housekeeping duties
- Babysit (other than the occasional need for mom or dad to eat/rest/shower)
- Insist that you care for your infant in a particular manner, no matter their beliefs