I. Scope of Practice
A. Services Rendered.
The doula accompanies the birthing person in labor, provides emotional and physical support, suggests comfort measures, and provides support and suggestions for the partner. Whenever possible, the doula provides pre and postpartum emotional support, including explanation and discussion of practices and procedures, as needed.
B. Limits to Practice.
The doula does not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, fetal heart tone checks, vaginal examinations, or postpartum clinical care. Standards of Practice apply to emotional and physical support only. Doulas who are also health care professionals may provide these services within the scope and standards of their profession.
C. Advocacy.
The doula advocates for the client’s wishes as expressed in the birth plan, in prenatal conversations, and intrapartum discussion. The doula helps the birthing person incorporate changes in plans if and when the need arises, and enhances communication between client and caregiver. Clients and doulas must recognize that the advocacy role does not include the doula speaking instead of the client or making decisions for the client. The advocacy role is best described as support, information, and mediation or negotiation.
D. Referrals.
For client needs beyond the scope of the doula’s training, referrals are made to appropriate resources.
II. Continuity of Care
The doula should make back-up arrangements with another doula to ensure services to the client if the doula is sick or unable to be reached. Should any doula feel a need to discontinue service to an established client, it is the doula’s responsibility to notify the client and provide information on where to find a replacement, if the client so desires.
This may be accomplished by:
A. Introducing the client to the doula’s back-up.
B. Following up with the client or back-up doula to ensure that the client’s needs were met.
lll. Record Keeping
A. Documentation.
The doula may maintain records of each client and if they do so, they do so confidentially