Australia’s peak health practitioner regulator is working with the federal government on ways to prevent harm during childbirth after recent reports of freebirths.
Freebirths, which are births done without a registered healthcare professional present and typically at home, are considered unsafe and not recommended by experts.
Australia’s peak health practitioner regulator is working with the federal government on ways to prevent harm during childbirth. (Getty)
The role of doulas has also come under scrutiny after Australian influencer and doula Emily Lal, known online as “The Authentic Birthkeeper”, was banned from promoting her views and providing advice while the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner conducted an investigation.
The commissioner alleged Lal had “facilitated and/or participated in home births which may put both mothers and babies at risk”.
While the government does not track the number of freebirths as they are unregulated, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia are concerned about the reports.
They confirmed today that they are considering options to prevent future harm and working with the federal government on how to best support safe and informed decision-making.
“While a doula or ‘birth worker’ can perform a valuable role as a non-medical support person, without the presence of a registered health practitioner – who is appropriately trained and qualified – the lives of the mother and baby can be put at risk,” an AHPRA spokesperson said.
“While we do not regulate doulas and ‘birth workers’, we are concerned when they present themselves as midwives.
“We recognise that options for prenatal care can be confusing, and some people may believe they are seeing a registered midwife when they are not, especially if the person claims to have trained in ‘midwifery’.”
Anyone who uses a protected health professional title must be registered with the AHPRA to work in Australia. (Getty)
Anyone who uses a protected health professional title – including medical practitioner, nurse, midwife, obstetrician and gynaecologist – must be registered with the AHPRA to work in Australia.
“Protected titles are reserved for registered practitioners, who the public can trust are properly trained, qualified, and meet strict professional standards,” the spokesperson said.
“These standards include ongoing requirements such as annual registration and continuing professional development to ensure they remain up to date with best practice.”
There are 16 professions listed under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
These do not include doulas or birth workers, who have no medical training.
All registered health professionals can be searched and found on the AHPRA’s public register of practitioners.
Stacey Hatfield died after giving birth at her Melbourne home. (GoFundMe)
“Every woman has the legal and ethical right to make informed decisions about their labour and birth care, however birthing without a regulated health practitioner, such as a midwife or doctor, can lead to preventable death,” an Australian College of Midwives spokesperson said.
“Every death is a tragedy, and it is distressing for all health professionals to bear witness to this.”