GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry will take necessary action if it receives a report on the death of a baby during a botched home childbirth in Pulai, Johor, last week.
Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Hilmi Yahaya the ministry had yet to receive any report from the parents following the death of their baby born with the help of a doula. (A doula is a non-medical birth assistant and usually acts as a companion to the woman before, during and after childbirth to give physical and emotional support.)
Dr Hilmi stressed that the practise of seeking the help of doulas was not encouraged as there were no proper facilities at home and it would endanger the life of both the child and the mother if there were complications during birth.
"We will investigate if there was a report and will take necessary action if there was any wrongdoing as the risk of death is high, especially to a mother who is suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure during her pregnancy.
"We have the best experts in our public hospitals, trained nurses and comfortable facilities at affordable rates. Why the need to endanger the life of the child and mother by seeking a doula's help?
"Doula practitioner has to be registered with the ministry, and they are closely monitored.
"If they fail to adhere to the regulations, then we will not issue them a licence. Anyway we do not suggest people opt for such service," he told a press conference at Teluk Kumbar here today.
The incident of a baby dying during homebirth, allegedly supervised by a doula, went viral on social media last week.
Netizens had put the blame on the doula and claimed she was not medically trained to handle home childbirth.
Johor police have confirmed that they are investigating the case.
On a separate matter, Dr Hilmi said that there were no new cases of rabies in the country after it recorded the seventh death in Kuching, Sarawak, on Feb 5.
He, however, reminded people to be careful while they were in the presence of animals, particularly dogs and cats.
"People are advised to quickly clean themselves when they are bitten by dogs or cats before they come for medical help.
"For now, the situation is under control as we did not record any new cases," he said.
