Doulas not allowed to provide medical services, only emotional support, says Health Minister

Published on 24 Nov 2020 12:11:22 PM

Individuals offering doula (birth companion) services are not allowed to provide medical services or advice involving pro-natural birthing and gentle birthing or risk action taken against them, warns the Health Ministry.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba told Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching) during Question Time on Tuesday (Nov 24), adding that at the moment, doula services are not registered under any association or group and their type of services are not clearly outlined.

Dr Yii had asked the Health Ministry to explain the government's plan to regulate doula services to ensure that there is no increase in unsafe births and maternal deaths.

Dr Adham said the doula's role is only to provide emotional support to mothers throughout the process of childbirth and confinement and they are not allowed to replace trained midwives or give medical advice.

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