A DOULA'S GUIDE TO SUPPORTING BREASTFEEDING WITHOUT OVERSTEPPING
She wanted to help her client so badly. She could see the latch was off. She could hear the clicking. She could tell the baby was not transferring milk efficiently.
But without the right training, she was not sure where her role ended and the lactation consultant's began.
So she stayed quiet. And her client went home without the support she needed.
THE FEAR OF OVERSTEPPING IS REAL
Doulas are trained to understand scope. You know that you are not a midwife, not a nurse, not a doctor. And that awareness of boundaries is part of what makes you trustworthy.
But scope and competency are different things. You can have knowledge about breastfeeding without practicing as an IBCLC. You can support a mama through a feeding challenge without diagnosing or treating. You can use the right language and the right referrals without overstepping — if you know what you are doing.
The problem is not that doulas have lactation knowledge. The problem is when they have it without structure.
WHAT APPROPRIATE LACTATION SUPPORT LOOKS LIKE FOR DOULAS
As a doula, your role in lactation support looks like this: creating a calm, supportive environment for feeding. Offering encouragement and emotional support. Helping a mama get comfortable and positioned. Recognizing signs that something may need a professional assessment. And making timely, accurate referrals when needed.
What it does not look like: correcting latch independently without training, recommending supplements without clinical context, or advising on supply management without proper assessment tools.
Breastwork for Doulas teaches you exactly where that line is. And more importantly, it gives you everything you need to be powerfully effective on your side of it.
Enrollment is open. The families you serve deserve a doula who shows up fully prepared. Secure your spot at the link in bio.
With Gratitude,
Tiffani Dickerson RN IBCLC
Comments