US obstetricians and gynecologists urge doctors to collaborate with doulas – What is the situation in Kazakhstan?
Tengrinews.kz — The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published statement on the collaboration between physicians and doulas—specialists who support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This marks the first time their cooperation with doctors has been detailed in a standalone official document.
Tengri Health correspondent explored the role of a doula, whether women in Kazakhstan can bring one to childbirth, and how the practice is regulated locally.
What is a doula and what do they do?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a woman during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
She does not replace a doctor or make medical decisions; instead, she helps the woman cope with the physical demands, better understand the process, and interact with the medical team. According to American experts, such support can have a positive impact on laboring women.
"Doulas also provide patients with information and useful resources, including childbirth preparation training, and discuss general anatomy and physiology to help women better understand the changes occurring during pregnancy and the various stages of labor," the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated.
Their main task, as noted by the College specialists, is patient advocacy—the doula helps ensure the woman's voice is heard during communication with medical professionals:
"Specifically, they help formulate questions and prepare for discussions regarding medical interventions so that the patient can better understand the situation and available options before a decision is made. This allows the patient to feel more confident."
How doulas can influence childbirth
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that doula support may be associated with a lower rate of cesarean sections and birth complications, higher breastfeeding rates, and greater maternal satisfaction with the experience.
ACOG added that this could ultimately reduce healthcare system costs.
Are doulas allowed in Kazakhstan?
In Kazakhstan, there is currently no separate regulatory framework governing the presence of doulas in maternity hospitals. This was reported by Aliya Aimbetova, Deputy Chairperson of the Board at the Scientific Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology in Almaty.
"There are no specific rules regarding this. The country lacks a legal framework. In reality, doulas truly improve birth outcomes and, with rare exceptions, are very helpful," the obstetrician-gynecologist believes.
At the same time, Dr. Aimbetova noted that doulas can be present in maternity hospitals as birth partners. According to her, communication between the patient and the doula usually begins before admission to the facility. When a woman signs a birth contract, she can specify in advance that she wants to have a doula as her partner.
"For example, at the National Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, doulas are welcome to attend as a partner for any woman," the doctor said.
In other words, if an expectant mother coordinates this with the hospital administration in advance, she can bring a doula to the delivery.
About the speaker: Aliya Aimbetova is an obstetrician-gynecologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Deputy Chairperson of the Board at the Scientific Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology in Almaty.
Key recommendations for obstetrician-gynecologists
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) offers the following recommendations for obstetrician-gynecologists. According to experts, they should:
familiarize themselves with the role of doulas and the benefits of their work;
build respectful and effective interactions with doulas so that such collaboration benefits both patients and medical staff;
inform patients about the various roles of doulas and be aware of local resources that help women find a doula and obtain support;
take into account that there are various payment options and access levels for doula services;
support and initiate research dedicated to collaboration with doulas and their role in obstetric and gynecological care.