Health Ministry reviews 'doula' service

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is in the midst of reviewing whether the service of a "doula" (non-medical assistant during childbirth) should be stopped or continue to be allowed in the country.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the service of a "doula" was initially introduced to coach and give advice to expecting mothers during childbirth, but when their advice could pose a risk or a danger to both the mother and the baby, it becomes clear that a line must be drawn.
"We are looking into this ... whether there is a need of a 100% ban on their activities," he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address for his ministry at the Dewan Rakyat today.
For the time being, Subramaniam said the doula could continue accompanying expecting mothers during childbirth as long as the service did not contravene the ministry's policy to ensure safe birth. — Bernama