Section 246-835-020 - Approved birth doula educational programs(1) The secretary accepts any birth doula training program, or courses that collectively introduce students to the key principles of the following topics: (a) Role of a birth doula: History of birth work, scope of work, individual practice and skill set, when and how to refer out;(b) Prenatal and birth care: Prenatal wellness and preparing for birth including, but not limited to, nutrition, movement, mental health, spiritual wellness, relationship support, education, and resources; physiology of labor and birth; comfort measures; coping techniques and pain management; common medical terminology and interventions; creating a birth plan;(c) Postpartum care: Lactation and newborn feeding techniques, newborn care, family integration and bonding, healing and comfort measures, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, self and community care, and grief;(d) Communication and interpersonal skills: Collaboration with birth team, emotional intelligence and sensitivity, active listening, informed consent and decision making, advocacy, accessible and affirming language; community support networks;(e) Doula safety and self-care: Boundaries with clients, capacity and burn out, emotional wellness practices such as mindfulness, meditation, reiki, and prayer, networking, and community building; and(f) Birth justice and advocacy: LGBTQ+/gender inclusive care, black and indigenous perinatal health crisis, medical racism and advocacy.(2) Birth doula training programs meeting the criteria in subsection (1) of this section may apply for department approval. Programs that have applied for, and received approval, will be listed on the department's webpage.Wash. Admin. Code § 246-835-020
Adopted by WSR 23-18-048, Filed 8/30/2023, effective 10/1/2023