Home  |   About Us  |   Contact Us  |   Sitemap
SHOPPING CART    FORUMS CHAT   
COURSES Birth Doula Childbirth Educator Postpartum Doula Breastfeeding Counselor Combined Programs Advanced Training
 
INFORMATION Frequently asked questions Reading Requirements Study days Doulas internationally Doulas in the USA Meet our students About your trainer Introductory Course - FREE!
 

Childbirth International
- making a difference to students in 70 countries across the world!
Click to see where they live

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need insurance?

Many new birth professionals worry about their responsibilities and liability.


Birth Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Breastfeeding Counselors 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 postpartum doulas, childbirth educators or breastfeeding counselors 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.

Return to list of FAQ questions
 

"Having such experienced doulas to discuss all sorts of birth topics was great! I now feel confident & prepared to perform my tasks as a labor doula because of this course. Thanks to you all!" Jeanne, Alabama

Related Questions

Will I need insurance?
Should I have a contract with clients?
Can clients claim my fees on insurance?
 
Outside the USA

  In the UK? Click here

  In Australia? Click here

 
Student Log In
 
Username
Password
 
  Forgot password?
   
Contact Us
  Write to us here
   
 

or telephone on

  USA (West) (415) 742 8458
  USA (East) (646) 845 9675
  UK (020) 8144 0961
  Australia (02) 8011 4177
  Japan (50) 5539 8960
  Sth Africa (21) 813 6172
  Sweden (08) 559 22 314
  Hong Kong 8175 4374
     
  All numbers are English speaking
   
© 2008 Childbirth International. All rights reserved. Reg No 53053667J.  Privacy Policy   |   Refund Policy