A Medical Don’t for Doulahs

As a doulah and president of the Doulas Assn. of Southern California, I appreciate the article about doulahs (“Special Delivery for New Parents Seeking an Old World Touch,” Aug. 24). However, I find it necessary to clear up one point: A doulah is quoted as saying she is trained to measure how dilated a woman is in labor and that knowledge can be used to safely keep a woman home longer.

Doulas of North America and Doulas Assn. of Southern California consider this practicing medicine and well beyond the standards and practices of a doulah. We feel strongly that a doulah’s role is only that of providing physical and emotional support.

It is dangerous to assume that assuring someone to stay home based on their dilation is safe. Many factors are present during labor that determine when a woman should be going to the hospital. That decision is best left to the parents and their doctor or midwife.

DEANNE SPICER TODD

President, Doulas Assn. of Southern California