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Birth Doulas, Postnatal Doulas, Antenatal Teachers and Breastfeeding
Counsellors do not carry out any clinical tasks (such as taking blood
pressure, listening to the baby's heartbeat, doing a vaginal examination
etc). These are solely the responsibility of the midwife or doctor who
the mother has chosen as her caregiver. Birth professionals also do not give medical
advice.
Your role is to provide information to the mother if she
wants it, and to support her in whatever choices she makes. Because of
this there should never be a situation where the birth professional is seen as
clinically liable or responsible for outcomes, therefore insurance is
not necessary for the professions we provide training in. Medical
indemnity or malpractice insurance is not available for birth or
postnatal doulas, antenatal teachers or breastfeeding counsellors as
they are not medical professionals. Some insurance companies offer doula
insurance but this is different from medical indemnity or malpractice
insurance.
You can avoid situations where you may be seen as liable
for any injury by taking simple steps. For example, clearly stating your
roles and responsibilities and having the parents acknowledge that they
understand this in writing at the outset of your relationship. Avoid
transporting clients in your own car with you driving - instead drive in
their car, follow them or have the father drive your car if it is
insured for others to use.
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In the USA?