Doula on Shabbat

is a doula (labour assistant) allowed to assist her client on shabbat?
what may she / may she not do?

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

If we are not mistaken, most activities a doula performs do not violate any laws of Shabbat.  Reassurance and physical contact, which do not involve chilul Shabbat, would certainly be permitted.  In a situation where a woman is depending on a doula, and would be distraught without her administrations, the doula would have the same status as a husband, who is permitted to accompany his wife for the purpose of yishuv hada'at (emotional well-being).

Regarding getting to the hospital and taking a phone call from the client, it is best to seek counsel from your own rabbi in these issues.  Since personal factors would be taken into account in this type of ruling, it is best to consult with a rabbi who knows the woman in question as well.

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases.

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