Doula DON'Ts

Doulas DON'T perform clinical or medical tasks.

This applies despite any additional training or alternative certifications the person in the role of doula may have outside of the current birth.

Cervical exams
Fetal heart rate checks or interpreting strips
Adjusting or removing any monitors (fetal monitors, contraction monitors, vital signs, oxygen, IV fluids, etc.)
Obtain vital signs
Administer medications (including OTC medications considered safe in pregnancy)
Postpartum nursing care such as: changing postpartum pads during 2-4 hour recovery period immediately after birth, rubbing mother's fundus for firmness, assisting mother to restroom withOUT the nurse's assistance.

Doulas DON'T prescribe medical treatments or medications.

Doulas cannot prescribe medical treatments. However, they can provide encouragement and education on health matters such as exercise, nutrition, massage, essential oils, general movement, safety, personal care, and more.

Doulas DON'T offer medical advice.

Doulas can provide objective information and teaching, offering factual data or knowledge without prescribing a course of action. This may include statistics, explanations, descriptions, or details about a subject, helping individuals make informed decisions.

Doulas DON'T contradict healthcare providers.

Doulas adhere to the principle of not contradicting healthcare providers. This means refraining from disputing a healthcare provider's care plan, interventions, or medical advice for the client. This guideline applies regardless of whether the doula also holds roles as a midwife or physician. When acting as a doula, it is essential to maintain alignment with the client's care provider and refrain from contradictions.

*Where does advocacy stop and contradiction begin?

A doula advocates for a mom when she is empowered to act for herself, ask questions, learn more, and then return to the provider to discuss the plan. A doula empowers the mom to play an active role in her plan of care.

Doula DOs

Doulas DO provide physical, emotional, spiritual, educational and informational support while empow

Physical Support:
- Comfort Measures. position changes, tub/shower, smells, movement, music, atmosphere, birth ball, peanut balls, pressure and massage, visualization, and vocalization etc.

2. Education / Information

Provide physical resources, educate within their scope (childbirth educators, lactation consultants), offer guidance in finding more information.

3. Advocacy

Empowering mom to speak for herself (Doulas should NEVER contradict the advice of a healthcare provider.)

4. Support and Resources

Doulas are educated on prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care. They are also connected to community resources to advocate and support mom in getting the help and services she needs.

MHN Doula Volunteer Requirements

Volunteers must always wear their approved uniform scrub jacket and their MHN badge. Volunteers must always wear closed-toed shoes and dress appropriately for their environment.
Support mother and her growing family through physical, informational, emotional and advocacy support throughout pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum.
Maintain the patient's confidentiality In all areas of care.