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A doctor has criticised the growing trend among expectant mothers to hire doulas, claiming it implies a failure in NHS support and could compromise patient wellbeing.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said there was "no doubt" some doulas were performing a role that should be carried out by midwives.
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As the premier doula organization, representing over 7,000 doulas, DONA International takes the opportunity to offer a rebuttal to this article.
The importance of fostering relationships between parents and infants cannot be overemphasized, since these early relationships largely determine the future of each family and of society as a whole. The quality of emotional care received by the mother during labor, birth, and immediately afterwards is one vital factor that can strengthen or weaken the emotional ties between mother and child.
DONA International is the largest certifying organization for doulas in the world. While the doula field is not currently regulated, parents and providers can find reassurance in the scope of practice that all DONA doulas agree to - and are governed by - in becoming certified through, or members of, the organization. This scope is defined as such:
Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions, or give medical advice. Most importantly, doulas do not make decisions for their clients; they do not project their own values and goals onto the laboring woman.
DONA International believes that doulas are an integral part of the maternity care team supporting their clients emotionally and physically" -
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The doula's role is to act as advocate for the mother, ie, speak on her behalf. Of course not all doulas act as they should, but studies show that the presence of a doula is associated with better labour, birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Many women feel unable to ask professionals caring for them to give information, possibly - in this case - why the doctor asked a woman to move from her comfy position. As a patient, I have often felt cowed by some health professionals and unable to challenge their care of me. If health workers were better able to communicate with their patients, there would be less need for this sort of discussion
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I did not know what a 'doula' was until I read this article! Seems a bit strange to me, but when there are not enough midwives to go round what are expectant mothers supposed to do?
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This doctor was threatened because someone asked him a simple question to obtain information? THAT's his example trying to support his claim that doulas pose risks? This is ridiculous and clearly the opinions of a doctor who is threatened by someone having a different opinion
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I think what worries me about Doulas is that no one seems clear about their actual role, and what their qualifications are. Stephanie has explained very clearly what they DON'T do, but that still leaves me unsure about what they DO do. A friend of mine has trained as a Doula. It took a few weeks, of very part time 'study'. She has no medical experinece of any kind, having worked in a shop since leaving school. But as she said, she likes babies, and 'thought it would be nice'...
What about having an HCA grade in midwifery? This at least would regulate the role, and give it some kind of professional status.
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