In recent years, the postpartum doula industry within Asian communities in the United States has faced significant challenges. Reports of unethical practices by some doulas, often referred to as “Asian doulas” or 月嫂 (yue sao), have raised concerns about the quality and reliability of care provided to new mothers and their families. These issues include exorbitant fees, falsified certifications, contract breaches, and even unsafe childcare practices, leading to a tarnished reputation for the profession and a sense of vulnerability among families seeking support.
In response to these challenges, the Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) was established in 2017 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to setting new standards of care and professionalism in the postpartum doula industry. ADA aims to bridge the gap between traditional Asian confinement practices and modern, evidence-based postpartum care, ensuring that families receive safe, respectful, and culturally sensitive support.
The Problem: A Broken System
The postpartum period is a critical time for new mothers and their infants, requiring compassionate and competent care.However, numerous reports have highlighted troubling practices among some Asian doulas:
Exorbitant Fees and Falsified Credentials: Some practitioners have been known to charge excessive fees while presenting fake certifications and doctored evidence of experience.
Contract Breaches: Instances of doulas accepting deposits and subsequently failing to honor their contracts, leaving families without the promised support.
Unsafe Childcare Practices: Allegations include administering sedatives to infants and enforcing outdated methods such as sunbathing newborns, which are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Disregard for Client Comfort: Reports of doulas refusing to accommodate basic comfort measures, such as allowing air conditioning during hot weather, and pressuring mothers into non-scientific parenting methods.
These practices have eroded trust in the profession and underscored the need for a regulatory body to uphold ethical standards and ensure the well-being of mothers and infants.
ADA's Vision: Establishing a New Standard
The Asian Doula Alliance was founded to address these issues head-on, with a mission to support and educate Asian doulas, ensuring they meet the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and scientific knowledge.
Rigorous Certification and Training:
ADA offers a comprehensive certification program that integrates traditional Asian postpartum practices with modern, evidence-based care methods. This training ensures that doulas are well-versed in culturally relevant practices while adhering to contemporary health and safety guidelines. Asian Doula Alliance - HomePage
Ethical Standards and Accountability:
The organization enforces strict ethical guidelines for all certified doulas, emphasizing transparency in qualifications, adherence to contracts, and a commitment to the highest standards of care. Doulas found in violation of these standards face immediate consequences, including the revocation of their certification.Central California Alliance for Health
Cultural Sensitivity with Scientific Integrity:
ADA respects and preserves valuable traditional practices while integrating modern scientific knowledge into care methods. This balance ensures that doulas provide support that is both culturally sensitive and aligned with current health and safety standards.
Empowering Families with Knowledge:
Beyond training doulas, ADA is committed to educating families, believing that informed parents are empowered parents. By providing resources and education, ADA helps families make informed decisions about their postpartum care, reducing the likelihood of falling victim to unethical practices.
Community and Support:
ADA fosters a supportive network for Asian doulas, particularly those who may face language barriers. This community offers ongoing education, peer support, and a platform to share best practices, enabling doulas to continuously improve their skills and stay updated on the latest developments in postpartum care.
A New Era for Postpartum Care
The establishment of the Asian Doula Alliance marks a transformative shift in the postpartum doula industry. By setting new benchmarks for professionalism, ethical behavior, and scientific knowledge, ADA is leading the way toward a future where families can trust their postpartum doulas to provide the highest quality of care.
In an industry previously marred by unethical practices and outdated methods, ADA's mission is clear: to reshape the postpartum doula profession into one that is reliable, ethical, and grounded in both cultural respect and scientific integrity.Through these efforts, ADA is not only safeguarding the well-being of mothers and infants but also restoring the honor and trust that should define this vital profession.
Additional Resources:
Asian Doula Alliance: For more information on ADA's mission, training programs, and resources for families, visit their official website. Asian Doula Alliance - HomePage
DONA International: A leading organization offering postpartum doula certification and training programs. DONA International
Community Doula Alliance: Focused on supporting diverse doulas and families, offering training and resources to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Community Doula Alliance+1Community Doula Alliance+1
Asian Birth Collective: A resource by and for Asian-identifying birthing and postpartum individuals, aiming to raise the stories and voices of Asian people in the birth community. AsianBirthCollective+1MMHLA+1
By engaging with these organizations, both doulas and families can access valuable support and information to navigate the postpartum period with confidence and care.
