I do recommend herbs and feel comfortable doing so because I took a 2 year course to become a Master Herbalist, which gave me a great background education. I am still careful about my wording so that it never sounds like I am prescribing anything, but just pointing out these natural sources and information on them. Herbs for normal pregnancy tea, herbs for swelling, herbs for the perineum for after the birth, herbs for bleeding, and herbs for breastfeeding are all very useful to know about. I don't think it is outside the scope of practice for a doula to talk about such things if they are something she understands very well. And again, there is a difference in talking about these things with clients and prescribing them.

 

I recommend resources where they can learn for themselves what might be appropriate.

 

I think wording is key, and even explicitly discussing scope of the doula role with the client is good. I also talk about where I got the info, and provide resources where the client can find out more, but I do recommend this type of thing, if mom's intersted.

 

i definitely recommend RRL tea or pregnancy teas with nettles & alfalfa. this is about it. i've discussed natural induction methods such as nipple stim/castor oil/sex but don't feel comfortable with the cohoshes. if someone was interested in trying this method i would refer them to their midwife or herbalist.

 

I got chewed put by a local Doula when I mentioned that my client had decided I bring and use oils, homeopathics and Rescue Remedy in the hospital. My client was very happy with what info I gave her and the help the items I had gave her. I made some suggestions based on the circumstances and we tried out the oils/lotions beforehand to make sure there were no reactions. I think that scope is defined by your client and your comfort level. If I know of something that may help I'm not going to not tell her because some say it's beyond scope.

 

I have a organic sitz bath that I mix and brew for every family I attend. I am also going to start making my own organic mothers milk tea based on some recipes, altough I already give that out brewed at pp from TM. I talk about natural induction (if asked for hospital birth) at about 41 3/4 weeks and give good sites to get more information. I don't recommend one particular thing and I make sure about wording too.

 

Late pregnancy tonic and sitz baths are mostly what I talk about... the tonic is basic, good hydration beyond just water, RRL, Nettle, Alfalfa, Oatstraw, mints, lemon balm, pretty simple nothing pushy just good nutrition. I brew a pot and serve it at my classes with the snack. I liken it to eating a daily salad or other good regular habits. The bath is helpful afterward, something to sit in or put in the little squirt bottle to help heal. Beyond that I am good friends with the local herbalist and consult with her or send people directly to her if they have issues. I strive to be part of the holistic resources in the community and send folks here and there where appropriate, althewhile reminding them to discuss all complimentary therapies with their caregiver. I am very comfortable with herbs and used them extensively with my own kids, but women I see may have different health issues or take other meds and that is where it can get dicey. I consult and/or refer with any questions.. better safe than sorry, but doula care can be a good introduction to herbs!

 

I don't recommend herbs, I recommend information.