The services a doula provides are non-medical in nature, focusing on emotional, physical, and informational support for individuals and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This support can include comfort measures, breathing techniques, assistance with labor positioning, and information to help clients make informed decisions. A doula does not perform clinical tasks such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart monitoring, or vaginal exams.
Adherence to defined boundaries is crucial for ensuring client safety and maintaining ethical standards within the profession. By staying within the limits of their training and expertise, doulas avoid potential harm to clients and protect their own professional standing. Historically, these practices evolved to distinguish the doula’s role from that of medical professionals, emphasizing collaborative care rather than overlapping responsibilities.
