Doolers don't have a scope of practice.

Duelists have a job description.

They've got a role.

And that role is something that the Dula actually has a lot of flexibility to define.

And one of the things that should be on that, that every Dula should think about for whether

she wants to include it or not in her job description is whether her role includes protecting the

client's right of informed consent and refusal. You can decide whether you're willing to do that.

When dolas bear witness to the abuse of their clients, they can come out traumatized,

secondarily traumatized by the abuses that they witness. The only reason anybody would get interested in saying

what a doula can or can't do is to protect doctors, never to protect women. I'm Cynthia Overgard,

owner of hypnoborthing of Connecticut, childbirth advocate, and postpartum support specialist.

And I'm Tresha Ludwig, certified nurse midwife and international board certified

lactation consultant.

And this is the Down to Birth podcast.

Childbirth is something we're made to do.

But how do we have our safest and most satisfying experience in today's medical culture?

Let's dispel the myths and get down to birth.

Well, good morning, and thank you for welcoming me to join your podcast again.

It's so wonderful always to be able to sit here and talk with both of you.

So I'm thrilled to be back.

I'm Hermine Hayes-Kline.

And to just reintroduce myself to your listeners.

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