Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Doula on Shabbat

6 March, 2007

Question:

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


Answer:

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.


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